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To: Sir Kier Starmer
Unpaid carers deserve a basic income
Dear Sir Kier
Unpaid carers contribute an estimated £162 billion every year to the British economy and society but are only paid a miserly sum of £81.90 per week, where eligible, for at least 35 hours per week of caring work. In reality the number of hours worked exceeds 35 hours in most cases.
Many unpaid carers have lost out on careers, income, pensions and a decent quality of life for their families.
We call on you, once you are successful in the 2024 General Election or otherwise, to campaign for and implement a Universal Basic Income of a sum of at least the equivalent to the hourly living wage for at least 35 hours per week. Currently this would be around £400 per week.
The total cost of this would still be significantly below the costs saved by unpaid carers, but would transform the lives of unpaid carers and their families in both monetary and social ways.
Unpaid carers contribute an estimated £162 billion every year to the British economy and society but are only paid a miserly sum of £81.90 per week, where eligible, for at least 35 hours per week of caring work. In reality the number of hours worked exceeds 35 hours in most cases.
Many unpaid carers have lost out on careers, income, pensions and a decent quality of life for their families.
We call on you, once you are successful in the 2024 General Election or otherwise, to campaign for and implement a Universal Basic Income of a sum of at least the equivalent to the hourly living wage for at least 35 hours per week. Currently this would be around £400 per week.
The total cost of this would still be significantly below the costs saved by unpaid carers, but would transform the lives of unpaid carers and their families in both monetary and social ways.
Why is this important?
For far too long unpaid carers have been taken for granted and left struggling with financial, social and mental/physical health difficulties. It's time for unpaid carers to be properly acknowledged and paid for their immense contributions to society.
