Carers UK: Unseen and undervalued. The value of unpaid care provided to date during the COVID-19 pandemic (November 2020)

Summary

Care provided by families valued at £135 billion over course of the pandemic so far. Carers UK calls on Government to recognise contribution of millions of carers and protect their health and wellbeing

Research, released for Carers Rights Day, estimates that the care provided by people looking after older, disabled and seriously ill relatives and friends during the pandemic stands at £135 billion so far, after just eight months.

Previous research by the charity found that the majority (81%) of carers have been taking on more care since the start of the pandemic and nearly two thirds (63%) are worried about how they will continue to manage over winter.

Carers UK is calling on the Government to provide additional support for carers over winter and ensure those caring for more than 50 hours a week get access to a funded break.

With many crucial face-to-face support services such as day centres and support groups significantly reduced – or in many cases closed – because of costly infection and control measures, Carers UK is warning that people caring round the clock are going to break down after months of caring without respite.