John Thurso calls for greater Government support for Carers

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 4th Jun 2009

Local MP, John Thurso, has called for the Government to increase the level of financial support offered to the estimated six million people in the UK who provide unpaid care to someone they know.

Speaking ahead of Carers Week 2009, an annual event that seeks to highlight the contributions made by unpaid carers throughout the constituency and around the UK, John Thurso said:

"There are many people in the Far North who sacrifice their time - and often their health, finances, work and social life - in order to care for a loved one. They deserve to be recognised for the priceless contribution they make, both to our local community and to society at large."

Researchers at Leeds University have estimated that carers save the UK economy almost £90 billion every year. Despite this, many individuals looking after family members suffer reduced income and employment opportunities, with their commitment to care preventing them from taking on paid work. The main carers' benefit is £50.55 per week for a minimum of 35 hours - this is equivalent to just £1.34 per hour. The most recent census data available has shown that around 500,000 people in Scotland consider themselves as full-time carers.

Commenting, John Thurso said:

"£1.34 an hour in no way reflects the true value of the work of carers in the community. The difference that they make to the lives of those for whom they care is priceless.

"The Government must do more to support these unsung heroes and I am delighted to lend my support to Carers Week. I hope that this important campaign will help more of my constituents who are dedicated to looking after someone to get access to greater levels of help and advice."

• Carers Week is a partnership of 10 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel & Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson's Disease Society, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Vitalise and WRVS.

• Carers Week 2009 is running from the 8 - 14 June 2009.

• During Carers Week 2008, over 100,000 carers took part in more than 6,000 events and activities throughout the UK. Over 1,100 local organisations organised events.

Related Link:

Carers week homepage.