- Across the UK, millions of people provide unpaid care for an ill, older or disabled family member or friend. Recent Census data suggests that there are 5.7m carers across the UK.
- Carers can experience a number of challenges. They are more likely to have poor mental and physical health, and more likely to be living in poverty. Many carers have to give up paid employment to provide care which can lead to financial difficulties.
- Many carers have experienced discrimination or harassment. Carers UK research found that a fifth of carers (19%) said they had been treated unfairly or unfavourably by the general public, and 22% of carers in paid employment said they had been treated unfairly or unfavourably at work. Nearly a quarter of carers in employment (24%) said that they had difficulties meeting their employer’s requirements because of their caring role.
- The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to directly discriminate against or harass someone who is associated with someone with a protected characteristic. This means that carers should not be treated less favourably or unfairly because they are associated with someone with a protected characteristic, such as disability or age. However, the law is complex and not widely understood, and caring is not specifically mentioned within the legislation. 4 Making caring the 10th protected characteristic carersuk.org
- Carers UK is calling on the Government to review the Equality Act 2010 and introduce caring as a protected characteristic, with the same change delivered to Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act. This campaign is a fundamental part of Carers UK’s Vision 2025 strategy as we believe it could transform awareness and support for carers and help combat discrimination and inequality.
- Carers UK research suggests that carers often feel invisible, overlooked and undervalued. 55% of carers need better understanding and recognition of unpaid carers from the general public. Making caring a protected characteristic would increase awareness of caring in society, making caring more visible and more widely understood.
- Making caring a protected characteristic would ensure that public bodies, businesses, and employers promote equality for carers, and treat carers fairly. Carers can experience a number of challenges in relation to their caring role, yet many are not receiving the support they need. 46% of carers need better recognition from the local council of their needs as a carer, and 42% need better recognition from the NHS of their needs as a carer. More support and consideration given to carers would help carers to improve their health and wellbeing, their financial situations, and their ability to juggle care with paid employment.
