New research, launched today by the Carer Poverty Commission, provides further evidence that better support for unpaid carers not only improves their own financial situation and their wellbeing but also brings far reaching benefits to business, government and the economy.

Statutory paid carer’s leave and flexible work policies help unpaid carers remain in paid employment, resulting in higher tax receipts and National Insurance contributions, lower benefit spending, improved wellbeing of carers and lower costs to employers from recruitment and training.

Barbara, an unpaid parental carer, explained:

“I lost my career of 17 years because of my caring role and a lack of support in my workplace. It had a massive impact on me in terms of my identity and my mental health.

"As a family we went from two wages to one, whilst our costs increased due to the unavoidable costs associated with caring for a child with additional needs. We now have to budget down to the last penny.

"I wanted to remain in employment, but I needed support.”

Angela Phillips, Senior Policy Officer at Carers NI commented:

“With the current high cost of living many unpaid carers want and need to remain in employment. Not only for their own sense of identity and mental wellbeing but to bring in a much-needed wage.

"But we know many are missing out on employment opportunities, sacrificing their own health and wellbeing and giving up pensions to provide care.

"This international and UK evidence shows that policies such as flexible working, paid carer’s leave and improved social care not only benefit carers themselves but also leads to a happier, healthier and more economically productive society. A win win for everyone.

"We have an opportunity to take a big step forward in supporting carers with the proposed employment rights bill. We need to seize this opportunity and make paid carer’s leave and other workplace supports a statutory day one right.”