Millions 'forced to quit jobs' to care for loved ones

A leading charity has warned that the intense demands of caring for dementia sufferers are undermining the nation’s economy, with rising numbers of staff being forced to quit
their jobs to look after loved ones.

Chronic underfunding of the social care system stretching back more than two decades has reached such a critical stage that millions of families are forced to leave employment
to care for relatives diagnosed with illnesses such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Directors at Carers UK say the care crisis is now directly affecting the UK’s economy, with the workforce and skills being eroded, as the need to care for family members takes precedence. 

Research by the charity has revealed the extent of the problem, with 2.3 million carers forced to give up work while three million employees have had to reduce their hours to care for relatives.

The charity has joined forces with leading employers including British Gas, BT and Sainsbury’s to ensure staff are given guidance and support about the help that is available
to prevent an unnecessary drain on the nation’s workforce.

Studies are being undertaken to highlight the scale of the problem and the Government is being petitioned to ensure legislation which is due to be introduced from 2015 under
the Care Bill helps address the mounting crisis.
(Source: The Yorkshire Post)