Paddy Lillis – Usdaw general secretary says: “Today we recognise the huge contribution that unpaid carers make to society, to let working carers know that Usdaw is on their side. Many Usdaw members are juggling paid jobs with caring for someone and while this can be a very rewarding experience, it can also be hugely demanding. Unpaid carers need and deserve to be recognised and supported in their caring roles, but too many of them are not.
“We were pleased to hear the Chancellor’s recognition of working carers in the Budget and the decision to significantly raise the earnings threshold of Carer’s Allowance, enabling many more working carers to retain entitlement to this important benefit. We welcome the further commitment that Government will examine the earnings threshold with a view to removing the ‘cliff-edge’ that prevents carers receiving the allowance where they earn a penny above it.
“Caring usually puts household incomes under additional pressure as it can limit a person’s ability to work extra hours and brings extra costs with it that carers would not otherwise have. Better support to enable carers to stay in work benefits carers, the people they care for, employers and the wider economy.
“Carers make a huge contribution to the NHS, social care and to society as a whole. Unpaid carers also make a significant difference to the lives of the people they give care to and enable disabled people and those living with long-term illnesses and health conditions to lead dignified, independent lives.
“Today we highlight the all-year-round Usdaw campaign for better rights for carers and to support unpaid carers who are under pressure at work. Our fantastic workplace reps are committed to ensuring that carers understand their rights and are able to access the support that is available to them whenever they need it.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest trade union with around 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk
Working Carers Know Your Rights: An advice leaflet for Usdaw members: www.usdaw.org.uk/343
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter/X @UsdawUnion