News Date: Monday 10th December 2007
Tim urges Carers to find out about their rights
Friday 7th December was Carers Rights Day and East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton added his support to the national campaign by urging working age carers to seek advice about the support they might be able to get to help juggle work and care.
The Carers Rights Day campaign, run by Carers UK, seeks to increase the take-up of benefits and raise awareness of carers' rights and the support that they might be able to get. It might be new technology in the home, meals on wheels, or council tax discount that makes a difference.
Many carers do not know that people looking after disabled or ill people, unpaid, have the right to request flexible working patterns at work. The evidence shows that this can make the difference between staying in employment or leaving. Employers also say that business often benefits from retaining key staff and productivity. Indeed, over 90% of requests to work flexibly have been granted by business, but a still worrying number of carers still don't know about the new right.
Tim commented:
"There are over six million carers in the UK who provide essential support to family, friends and neighbours, saving the country ?87 billion each year. One in five carers actually has to give up work to care and this advice could make all the difference.
"It is essential that we get the message out as around ?740 million per year in benefits go unclaimed by carers.
"Indeed it's a real concern that carers in my constituency may not be getting all the help they are entitled to. Carers need support - they are fulfilling a vital role in society and without them the NHS and social care system would not be able to cope. It is essential that they are given information about their rights so that they get the support they need and do not live in poverty, risking their own health and future prospects.
"I would urge carers to ring the Carers UK helpline on 0808 808 7777 to make sure they are taking advantage of all the assistance they can get."
ENDS
Note to Editor:
1) For more information please call the Carers UK helpline on 0808 808 7777 or visit www.carersuk.org
