Stand up for carers! Usdaw puts a spotlight on the pressures that working carers are under

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw general secretary says: “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 with their caring roles, but too many of them are not.

“Caring often puts household incomes under additional pressure as it can limit your ability to work extra hours and brings extra costs with it that carers would not otherwise have. The work of unpaid carers helps hold society and families together and yet, due to a lack of recognition and support, many unpaid carers are facing financial hardship.

“Better support 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 care for and enable disabled people and those living with long-term illnesses and health conditions to lead dignified, independent lives.

“Today we put the spotlight on 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.”