Committees

Committee investigates Government pilot projects on employment support for carers

10 January 2018

As of the 2011 Census, there were 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK.  Currently, over three million of those are also in paid employment. The Work and Pensions Committee examines the Government pilot projects that aim to help carers balance employment with their caring responsibilities.

Research suggests that over 2 million people have given up employment at some point to care for family or friends with long-term illness, disability or problems related to old age, while 3 million have had to reduce their working hours. People who provide the most hours of care per week are significantly more likely to live in poverty.

Nine pilot projects to help carers in employment

In 2015, the Government announced £1.6million to support nine pilot projects exploring ways to help carers balance employment with their caring responsibilities, and has stated that "supporting carers to stay in work is becoming a major challenge for employers". This first session will focus on the results of those pilot schemes, which have not been published yet, employer best practice and the support being offered by charities.

Witnesses

Wednesday 10 January 2018, The Grimond Room, Portcullis House

At 9.30am

Further information

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