6 Million UK Unpaid Carers In The West Midlands - GMB

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