Dr Brian Iddon MP Urges Local Carers to Find Out About Support |
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7th December 2007 Dr Brian Iddon MP added their support to a national campaign on Friday 7th December 2007 which is urging working age carers to seek advice about support they might be able to get to help juggle work and care. Dr Iddon said “What many carers might not know is that people looking after disabled or ill people, unpaid, have the right to request flexible working patterns at work. All the evidence shows that this can make the difference between staying in employment or leaving. Employers also say that business often benefits from retaining key staff and productivity. Over 90% of requests to work flexibly have been granted by business, but so many carers still don’t know about the new right.” Carers UK urged carers to get in touch with its helpline, CarersLine (0808 808 7777 or www.carersuk.org). Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive said, “Around £740 million per year in benefits go unclaimed by carers and we advise thousands of carers every year who did not know that there might be support which will enable them to juggle work and care. Equally, if carers have given up work to care, it is just as vital to find out about your entitlements before spending and debts mount up and caring takes its toll on your health. The Carers Rights Day campaign, run by Carers UK, seeks to increase the take-up of benefits and raise awareness of carers’ rights and the support that they might be able to get. It might be new technology in the home, meals on wheels, or council tax discount that makes a difference. There are over six million carers in the UK who provide essential support to family, friends and neighbours, saving the country £87 billion each year. One in five carers has to give up work to care and this advice could make all the difference. Dr Iddon added, "Carers UK statistics show there are over 22,000 working carers in Bolton and it’s a real concern to me that these carers may not be getting all the help they are entitled to. Carers need support – they are fulfilling a vital role in society and without them the NHS and social care system would not be able to cope. It is essential that they are given information about their rights so that they get the support they need and do not live in poverty, risking their own health and future prospects.”
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| Editors' notes |
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1. Carers can order a free booklet called Looking after someone: a guide to carers’ rights and benefits from Carers UK by visiting www.carersuk.org or calling the free phone hotline on 0808 808 7777. 2. Dr Iddon signed EDM 473 in support of Carers Day, the text of which can be viewed here http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=34606&SESSION=891 3. For further information, please contact Brian Iddon's Westminster office on 0207 219 2096 |