EDM 1545 - Carers

12.05.2008

Foster, Michael Jabez

That this House celebrates the valuable role performed by six million carers in the UK, in the majority of cases without any financial recognition from the state; recognises that many carers need to work to make ends meet and, therefore, work for a living in addition to providing more than 35 hours per week of care; further recognises that paid work helps carers overcome feelings of isolation that can sometimes be caused by their caring role; congratulates the Government on increasing the earnings threshold on carer's allowance to prevent increases in the national minimum wage from disqualifying working carers to this valuable benefit; welcomes the Government's full and fundamental review of the National Carers Strategy and calls for sufficient resources to be allocated to deliver significant gains for carers; further congratulates the Government on establishing the new Standing Commission on Carers; urges the Government to enable carers to combine flexible and fulfilling employment with their caring role, and to give employers the flexibility that they need from their staff, by extending carer's allowance to low paid working carers earning more than the current threshold of £95 per week; and expresses support for Carers Day on Wednesday 11th June, organised by the Union of Shop Distributive and Allied Workers.