5 Jun 2018
Response to the Government's Carers Action Plan
Our Chief Executive, Anna Dixon, welcomes the government’s review of carers’ rights, including older workers who balance care duties.
Ageing Better responds to the government's Carers Action Plan 2018 to 2020.
The Government today published its Carers Action plan 2018 to 2020, which sets out how the government’s proposals to review support for carers across England over the next two years.
In response, Anna Dixon, Chief Executive of the Centre for Ageing Better, said:
“Any proposals to strengthen flexible working for full - and part-time workers, as well as provide paid carers leave, would be extremely welcome. Three in five people become carers at some point in their lives, and most carers are of working age, so it is crucial that we give them – and their employers – the right tools to balance responsibilities in work and as a carer.
“We know that the peak age of caring is 50-64, and that one in six carers give up work or reduce their hours as a result of the struggle to balance work and care on a day-to-day basis. It’s also true that older workers are more likely to stay in work if they think that their work matters, their employer supports them and their needs are taken seriously – including their needs as carers. We need employers to step up and make sure carers’ rights and needs are respected and that organisational culture is set up to best support those with caring responsibilities.”