New Carers Rights Day research revelations
On the 21st of November was celebrated Carers Rights Day, an annual event organized by Carers UK to raise awareness of the rights and entitlements of unpaid carers. This year’s theme, Recognising Your Rights, focuses on empowering carers to understand and claim the recognition they deserve for their vital contributions.
To highlight the significance of this day, Carers UK has released two major research reports.
Valuing Carers: The Economic Contribution of Unpaid Care
The first report, Valuing Carers 2021/22, created in collaboration with the Centre for Care, reveals that unpaid carers now provide care valued at an astonishing £184 billion annually. This represents a sharp increase of nearly £65 billion since 2011, reflecting the growing responsibilities families have assumed in supporting loved ones.
The Impact of Caring on Employment
The second report, State of Caring 2024: The impact of caring on employment, supported by TSB Bank, delves into the experiences of working carers since the implementation of the Carer’s Leave Act in April 2024. Based on the findings from the 2024 State of Caring Survey:
- 56% of working carers report being unable to afford taking unpaid Carer’s Leave.
- 78% of carers advocate for a statutory right to paid Carer’s Leave to better manage work and caregiving responsibilities.
A Call for Action: Paid Carer’s Leave
Carers UK is urging the Government to implement a statutory right to five days of paid Carer’s Leave as part of the Employment Rights Bill. The organization’s analysis suggests this measure would cost just £32 million annually while benefiting over two million working carers and delivering substantial economic returns for UK employers by reducing turnover and absenteeism.
Get Involved
To learn more about Carers Rights Day and join the conversation, visit the Carers UK website or engage on social media using #CarersRightsDay. Together, we can ensure unpaid carers receive the recognition and support they deserve.
For questions about Carers UK’s latest research, contact policy@carersuk.org.
