6 Million UK Unpaid Carers In The West Midlands - GMB
6 Million UK Unpaid Carers In The West Midlands - GMB
6 Million UK Unpaid Carers In The West Midlands - GMB
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2 Solihull 24,113 11.7 66.7 33.3<br />
3 Staffordshire 98,832 11.6 64.5 35.5<br />
4 Walsall 30,632 11.4 55.5 44.5<br />
5 Herefordshire 20,676 11.3 67.7 32.3<br />
6 Worcestershire 63,685 11.2 66.8 33.2<br />
7 Shropshire 34,260 11.2 66.7 33.3<br />
8 Stoke-on-Trent 27,385 11.0 55.6 44.4<br />
9 Sandwell 33,530 10.9 53.0 47.0<br />
10 Wolverhampton 27,136 10.9 56.9 43.1<br />
11 Warwickshire 59,240 10.9 67.3 32.7<br />
12 Telford and Wrekin 17,944 10.8 57.5 42.5<br />
13 Coventry 32,101 10.1 60.6 39.4<br />
14 Birmingham 107,380 10.0 57.0 43.0<br />
Joe Morgan, <strong>GMB</strong> Regional Secretary said, “This huge hidden army of unpaid often voice-less carers saves<br />
taxpayers billions every year. <strong>In</strong> many areas there are far more unpaid carers than actual paid care<br />
providers in place. <strong>The</strong> hidden army of unpaid carers consists of predominately women.<br />
<strong>The</strong> impact of caring responsibilities has a huge impact on carer’s health. <strong>Carers</strong> often experience<br />
depression, emotional and physical exhaustion. Sleep disturbance being just one factor which impacts<br />
on carers. <strong>The</strong> number of young carers is also on the increase.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re just isn't the adequate support in place for carers. This is further compounded with the squeeze on<br />
funds. It is not just comprehensive support that these unpaid carers need but also emotional support<br />
including respite and short breaks.<br />
Approximately one in eight workers have some sort of caring responsibility. Many carers work part time<br />
so there is also a financial impact on them. Employers need to sign up to a charter that makes it easier for<br />
unpaid carers to combine paid work with their caring roles. Employment rights for carers are poor as<br />
there is very little recognition or support for such workers within a work life balance context in the<br />
workplace. Despite the anti-discrimination legislation and Equality Act 2010 we have some way to go.<br />
We now know that almost two thirds of people with dementia live in their own homes and most need<br />
round the clock care and most need help with a range of tasks including bathing and dressing. For the<br />
carer who looks after them, who also have dependent children, the impact on the carer is massive.<br />
District nurses estimate that over next few years the number of people needing care will continue to<br />
grow. So to call this a crisis is a huge understatement. <strong>The</strong> lack of funds and government reluctance to<br />
grasp the nettle cannot be allowed to continue.<br />
A radical overhaul of the current approach to paid and unpaid care is needed from society as a whole is<br />
required. That includes government and employers as well as families. <strong>Carers</strong> week is next week from