The work of an unpaid carer can’t be ignored. Providing personal and practical care for family members, friends or neighbours is a selfless act, allowing some of the most vulnerable members of society to live comfortable, dignified lives in their own homes for as long as possible. Carers provide practical support such as shopping, personal care, transporting patients to appointments and company for someone who may be otherwise isolated.
A Financial Cost
Of course, giving up so much of one’s free time comes with some considerable challenges – not least, being short on time and availability to earn a living. This can mean that unpaid carers are living in poverty or with a lower standard of living than they deserve, according to charitable organisation Carers UK.
A Petition for Change
A petition has been launched to try and lobby the government to give this hidden workforce some financial support to allow them to continue. Any finances approved will apply to unpaid carers looking after someone in excess of 35 hours a week.
Indeed, the creator of the petition, Emma Roberts, argues that unpaid carers should receive at least the National Minimum Wage, which is currently £11.44 an hour. Currently, unpaid carers can receive carer’s allowance, but this is comparatively low at around £2.34 an hour. What is more, this is treated as taxable income.
That being said, many unpaid carers find that they have just the right personal qualities to make fantastic carers and go on to have successful careers in the field. If you’re kind, organised and willing to go the extra mile for others, https://www.caremark.ie/job-opportunities/care-assistant-jobs-cork can be a great place to look for care assistant jobs Cork should you wish to choose that route.
The petition has gathered pace and now has over 6,000 signatures – if it gets to 10,000, it will receive a written response from parliament. Perhaps finances are about to start improving for the many thousands of unpaid carers who do a vital job.