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Social care system is failing 4 million working age carers
NEW
research by Carers UK highlights the challenges facing health and
social care services in the face of demographic change. Care
services are failing Britain's 4 million working age carers, making
it harder or even impossible for them to hold down a job, according
to one of the largest in-depth surveys of carers commissioned by
Carers UK. Over 40% of those caring full time and not in work
say that they cannot return to employment because of the lack of
services available.
Carers UK's Chief Executive, Imelda Redmond, wants to see a radical
overhaul to avoid a demographic and economic disaster.
"We now have the most detailed evidence to date of the issues facing
working carers which can inform a more planned approach for the
future", she says. "The Comprehensive Spending Review
provides us with an opportunity to set this out and get it right.
It is clear that current systems do not support carers at key stages
of their lives and this latest in-depth analysis shows that care
services are systematically failing working carers. Carers have
reasonable expectations to a life beyond their caring role and we
should be fulfilling them."
The research is led by Professor Sue Yeandle from the University of
Leeds who has compiled 6 major reports on working age carers, 4 of
which are published by Carers UK.
The 4 reports provide the responses of nearly 2,000 carers - one of
the largest surveys every carried out. They cover:-
" Stages and transitions in the experience of caring
" Managing caring and employment.
" Diversity in caring: towards equality for carers
" Carers, employment and services in their local context
They also reveal a new dilemma. 42% of those new to caring say that
the person for whom they care is reluctant to use care services, for
whatever reason, leaving many carers unable to access any support
for themselves, and making their working lives even harder.
Key points show:-
" The majority of working carers say they need at least 1 type of
formal service which they are not currently receiving
" 33% of carers in full or part-time work are struggling financially
" Very few working carers are getting breaks, and less than 25% have
access to respite care services
" Only 25% of working carers feel they have adequate support from
formal services to enable them to combine work and care
" Between 40 and 50% of working carers say that a lack of
flexibility and sensitivity in the delivery of services is hampering
them
" Almost half of those working part-time say that they are only in
work of this type because of their caring responsibilities
Carers UK wants to see:-
o A complete overhaul of the way that social care is provided, with
a much stronger focus on supporting carers to remain in or return to
work
o Significant investment in social care, including stimulation of
the care market through the creation of employers supported 'care
vouchers'
o New legislation to make it illegal to discriminate against carers
- in the same way that it is for disabled people.
o A full scale review of carers' benefits; and the exploration of
tax breaks and tax credits to help carers avoid poverty and remain
in employment.
o A social contract for carers which makes it clear what the state,
employers, and others will provide and what individuals have to
contribute.
Imelda Redmond told the press that:-"Caring needs to be looked at in its own right rather than a 'bolted-on'
issue. All too often they
slip through the net - whether it is finding the right information,
getting financial support, accessing local authority services or
looking after their own health needs. It is time that a cohesive
plan is put in place on how social care is provided and planned for
in the future." |
HOLLYOAKS STAR HELPS CELEBRATE WITH THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY
LOUI Batley, who plays Sarah
Barnes in Hollyoaks, joined in the celebrations at The Children's
Society's Annual Festival in Liverpool Cathedral on Saturday 29
September. Loui chatted with the children and young people before
handing out certificates and awards.
She said:- "I am delighted to be at The Children's Society's
Annual Festival. Meeting all the children and young people who
helped to make the Festival happen was an inspiration. The
Children's Society is all about ensuring children have the right to
a good childhood and that definitely gets my support!"
This year's event, 'Every child deserves a good childhood',
highlighted the work done by The Children's Society across the UK,
helping over 50,000 children, young people and their families each
year while recognising the invaluable contribution of its volunteer
network.
The Annual Festival and Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication
celebrated The Children's Society's work in partnership with the
Church to reach children and young people at the margins of society.
The celebrations included the Kinder Children's Choir of the High
Peak; a selection of workshops and presentations involving children
and young people; and the 'When I Grow Up' celebrity
photographic exhibition.
Liverpool
International Market October 2007
LIVERPOOL City
Council’s markets partner, Geraud Markets Liverpool Limited, has
confirmed the return to Lord Street of the International Street
Market. The event takes place from 25 October 2007 to 28 October 2007. This
new International Market of 2007 promises to be bigger and better
than ever in. The market will consist of over 40 international
traders from France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Greece, Poland,
Hungary, UK and Spain offering a wide range of Continental goods.
Products on offer include fruit, vegetables, cheeses, craft items,
jams and preserves, olives, antipasties, German, Polish and French
bread plus many traditional dishes to take away such as Bavarian
Sausage, garlic potatoes, crepes, waffles and Spanish paella.
The market will
operate from 9.00am each day on Lord Street and finish at 5.00pm.
On, Thursday 25 October 2007, the market will be open for late night
shopping. On Sunday the market will be open from 10.00am until
4.00pm.
Groupe Geraud Chief Executive, Andy Burnett, said;- “The
Company is happy to announce the return to Lord Street of the
Continental Market. The event location has proved in the past to be
extremely successful.
This year’s International Street Market events
are expected to be even better than before and the company looks
forward to giving the city it’s first truly “International Market.”
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