Latest Debt News
Dicing with debt for a career in caring
06/02/2006 16:24:00
More than one in three carers have fallen into debt, a new report suggests.
A poll by ITN news of 1,000 carers found that many are struggling financially as they spend up to 70 hours a week caring for sick relatives.
Of the UK's six million carers, 1.25 million spend more than 50 hours a week looking after the ill or disabled, with one in five of those forced to give up work and face financial difficulties.
While 31 per cent were in debt, a third were also living alone and claiming benefits. A further 13 per cent would likely be eligible for such state support but did not claim it because of red tape.
Only 43 per cent of those surveyed had a regular income from paid employment, despite the majority being of working age.
"These people see themselves as doing their duty. But they are twice as likely to be in poor health and will go into old age in poverty," said Imelda Redmond, Carers UK chief executive.
Aside from the financial problems, many carers reported that their own health had suffered, with over half saying their health had deteriorated since becoming a carer.
ITN news is calling on the government to establish a Carers Czar to support the rights of carers.
The government has already published a pensions guide for carers, designed to help carers boost their state pension entitlement.
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