Caregiver
Around six million people in the UK provide care on an unpaid basis for a relative, friend or neighbour in need of support due to old age, disability, frailty or illness. The population of carers is dynamic: at least a third of all people will fulfil a caring role at some point in their lives.
At least half of all carers are in full or part time employment and some care for more than one person. Carers save the UK economy an estimated £57bn a year, and economic considerations form a key element in government policy to support carers.
Research shows that carers are likely to experience poverty, poor health, and low self-esteem. They frequently experience social exclusion.
UK Legislation
Carers & Disabled Children Act 2000
This Act makes provision about the assessment of carers’ needs; to provide for services to help carers; to provide for the making of payments to carers and disabled children aged 16 or 17 in lieu of the provision of services to them and for connected purposes
The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004
This came into force in England on the 1st April 2005 and in Wales on 18th April. The Act gives carers new rights to information - Section 1 of the Act places a duty on local authorities to inform Carers of their right to a Carers Assessment. Ensures that work, life-long learning and leisure are considered when a carer is assessed - Section 2 means that when a Carer's Assessment is being completed it must take into account whether the carer works or wishes to work, any courses the carer is taking or wishes to take, and any other leisure activities the carer undertakes or wishes to undertake. Gives local authorities new powers to gain the help of housing, health, education and other local authorities in providing support to carers - Section 3 states that if the local authority requests another authority to plan services, that authority must give that request due consideration.
Carers (Recognition & Services) Act 1995
This Act was the first piece of UK legislation which formally recognised the role of unpaid carers and provides for the assessment of the ability of carers to provide care.
Government legislation affecting the care of children with disabilities includes:
- Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 - The Children Act 1989 - Convention on the Rights of the Child
Work and Families Act 2006
This Act, which came into force in October 2006, makes provision for improved maternity and adoption leave for women. It also extends the right to request flexible working for Carers.
Sources
- How to receive help as a carer BBC, 04 December 2005