Policy Library

In 2021-22 alone, nearly 400,000 carers had to leave their jobs to care for older or disabled family members. Despite this, there’s a strong desire among carers to engage in paid employment, with a majority indicating they would work if adequate support were provided. Supporting family carers in their employment could potentially save the UK economy £6 billion annually.

Despite over half of local authority budgets being allocated to adult social care, the system’s limitations are stark, with only a fraction of those requesting support receiving it, often to their dissatisfaction. The lack of a national carer register exacerbates the issue, leaving many without access to necessary benefits and support. The CSJ and Opinium’s survey of 1,530 working-age carers revealed that 41% are contemplating exiting the workforce or reducing work hours due to caregiving demands, signalling a significant economic and personal toll.

The disruption to employment for carers results in broader economic costs, including decreased productivity, higher absenteeism, and diminished employee engagement, costing the UK economy approximately £3.5 billion annually. Nonetheless, the survey indicates that with appropriate support, a significant portion of carers would either return to work or increase their working hours.

The report proposes several key policies to facilitate carers’ participation in the labour market, including:

• Delivering 10 hours of free home care to those they are looking after
• Providing £2000 for home adaptations
• Raising the Carer’s Allowance earnings threshold
• Mandating five days of paid leave for carers in the workplace.

These measures aim to support and incentivise working-age carers, addressing a critical aspect of economic inactivity. Without adequate support, the most vulnerable members of society face increased risks, and state services will face additional strains, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive policy action to support family carers.