Four in ten (42 percent) UK adults believe greater support needs to be offered to working carers in order to help fund a sustainable social care system, according to latest statistics. Contributor Raman Sankaran, Head of Care for Life – Simplyhealth.
In addition, 43 percent of people think that providing more support to informal, or unpaid carers, such as simplifying the Carer’s Allowance process, could help fund a more sustainable social care system.
Just 16 percent of people thought individuals should use personal savings to fund their own care, but with a cap, while a quarter (26 percent) think a percentage of an employees’ pension contributions should be saved for social care in the future to help create a sustainable social care system.
The UK has an ageing population with more people having to work and care for a loved one. It is estimated that around 1 in 9* people in the workforce are juggling caring with paid work, but that figure increases to as many as 1 in 2** who provide some form of care to loved ones on a regular basis but aren’t seen as formal carers. The Government is expected to consult on proposals to reform care and support for older people.
The results show that of the 42 percent who think that providing more support in the workplace could help fund a more sustainable social care system, 40 percent of 18-24 year olds also agree. This shows the importance of employers recognising the needs of carers in the workplace.
Raman Sankaran, Head of Care for Life at Simplyhealth, said: “Working carers provide a vital role in caring for our ageing population combined with essential value to their employers. At Simplyhealth we’ve identified that due to the incredibly complex nature of eldercare requirements, the lack of a trusted, single source of guidance and information is leading to increased stress and anxiety and unnecessary additional time being taken, leading to more time away from work.
That’s why we worked with employers to develop Care for Life, a personalised solution that guides through this complex and ever changing environment, supporting colleagues and improving productivity.”
