Day: June 8, 2020

Lothian MSP praises carers during National Carers Week

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has called on everyone to show their support for carers during National Carers Week (8-14 June).

Carers have an invaluable role in society looking after people who need their support, many of who are unpaid.

The Covid-19 outbreak this year has been very challenging for carers who have not been able to see loved ones in person, to protect the people they are caring for.

The Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson has used the week to call on the SNP Government to recognise the role that many unpaid carers play on a daily basis and ensure that they have the resources to provide financial and wellbeing support to relatives and loved ones.

Carers work at this time should never be forgotten and MSP Miles Briggs says everyone owes them a huge debt of gratitude.

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs campaigned with Amanda Kopel to pass Frank’s Law in Scotland and ensure under 65s have access to free personal care.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “Carers are integral to our communities and look after those people who are most vulnerable in our society.

“The Covid-19 outbreak has been incredibly challenging for carers, with care homes being particularly affected by Covid-19.

“National Carers Week is an opportunity to highlight the hard work of carers across Edinburgh and the Lothians and the sacrifices they have made during this pandemic.

“SNP Ministers must ensure that resources are in place to support all carers who have taken on unpaid roles caring for relatives and friends during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I will continue to push the SNP Government for greater support to be given to carers throughout Scotland.”

Clever tech roll out helps vulnerable people during pandemic

Vulnerable customers of an Edinburgh housing and care provider are being able to keep in constant contact with friends and family – and where necessary their carers – during the Coronavirus lockdown thanks to its pioneering technology.

Blackwood has provided its customers with tablets complete with accessible care technology and wifi access to help keep them more digitally connected at all times, despite most being currently ‘shielded’ in their homes.

It has already led to a remarkable 800% increase in the function that allows customers to contact friends and family.

And with visits from care staff being impacted because of social distancing and virus protection measures, the technology is ensuring customers do not feel isolated as they can also keep in touch with carers via video calls, even those who use Blackwood’s night-time support service.

Each tablet gives customers access to CleverCogs™, Blackwood’s own bespoke care system, which enables people to stay in touch with friends and family through video chat, while also allowing them to catch up on their favourite tv shows, access information and receive calendar reminders of care visits and medication.

The system allows customers to attend GP appointments through the NHS service, Near Me, which is linked with more than 30 GPs across Scotland.

CleverCogs™ is personalised to each customer meaning they will be able to easily access their interests, whether it’s music, sports or movies. The system is designed to only take users maximum three taps of the tablet to access any of its features.

Blackwood – which operates across Edinburgh as well as 28 other local authorities, providing housing and care support to people with a wide range of care needs – is also fronting a new campaign #ImInAwe to showcase the work of front-line social care workers during the pandemic crisis.

Anne Jenkins, Blackwood’s Innovation Delivery Manager, said: “As an organisation we understand and appreciate how uneasy and stressful the current lockdown situation is for many of our customers and their families.

“CleverCogs™ gives our customers and families some peace of mind in that they can stay fully connected throughout this, so reducing feelings of loneliness, anxiety or isolation.

“In fact where previous there was a reluctance to use CleverCogs™ as a communication tool, now customers are freely using it to keep in contact with friends and families.

“We personalise every CleverCogs™ device, which has had huge impacts on our customers’ lives. Being digitally connected really has the opportunity to change people’s lives – it opens their horizons to a whole new online world.

“In the current circumstances, it’s even more important that we facilitate every measure possible to ensure our customers have access to the required care and communication to allow them to continue living a fulfilled life as independently as possible.”

Currently the system features include information about Care, Safety, Housing, Home Automation, Information, Digital Inclusion as well as Health & Wellbeing.

CleverCogs™ has also been implemented across all of Blackwood’s care services, as well as being the ‘hub’ for each of its Blackwood Houses. Within the Blackwood Houses, CleverCogs™ enables customers to control lights, heating, doors and blinds.

Blackwood’s #ImInAwe campaign aims to shine a light on the important front-line role care employees are playing, to encourage businesses and individuals to look at ways they can show gratitude.

It’s estimated up to 150,000 staff work in the social care sector, providing care to people in care homes and retirement developments as well as care-at-home services. The social campaign is spreading online with the hashtag #ImInAwe to show collective support.

Blackwood customers are at the heart of shaping its future. With over 1500 properties across 29 local authorities, it is the largest provider in Scotland and helps the transform customers’ lives on a daily basis – at a time when funding is becoming increasingly tighter.

For more information, please visit: https://www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk  

£300,000 for Scotland’s young carers

Carers Week launched with additional support.

£300,000 from the £350 million communities funding to support people and communities affected by COVID-19 is being given to support young carers across Scotland.

Young Scot will receive £200,000 to provide online subscriptions and e-vouchers for young carers. Meanwhile £100,000 will go to expanding the Time To Live small grants scheme.

The additional funding comes as National Carers Week begins.

Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick said: “There are an estimated 29,000 young carers in Scotland making an invaluable contribution to society. However, many of them don’t get the same opportunities as their peers, due to having more responsibility and less free time.

“Many of those young people may be under even greater strain than usual, and not had a chance to take a break from caring due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).

“That’s why we are providing this funding to support as many young carers as possible to access opportunities such as e-vouchers, subscription packages and short breaks that can help improve their quality of life during this time.

“This is in addition to our Young Carer Grant of £305 per year. Anyone aged between 16 and 18 years old who spends more than 16 hours per week caring for a person in receipt of certain disability benefits can apply – and I would encourage them to do so.

“And young carers can access these new opportunities via the Young Scot website and their local carers centre.”

A young carer is anyone under the age of 18 (or 18 and still at school) who provides or intends to provide care for someone else. 

The Young Scot package is available to all young carers aged 11-18 and can be applied for via the Young Scot website.

The Time to Live small grants are available to young carers of any age through their local delivery partner – usually a local carers centre. Carers can find out where their nearest delivery partner is via the Shared Care Scotland website.

Eligible young carers can apply for the Young Carer Grant via the Social Security Scotland website.

 

 

A fridge too far!

Despite costing hundreds of pounds more than their standard counterparts, smart appliances could be rendered obsolete after as little as two years as manufacturers stop providing vital software updates, according to a new Which? investigation.

The consumer champion calculated that, on average, customers pay £855 more for a smart fridge-freezer than a standard one, £259 more for a smart dishwasher and £190 more for a smart tumble dryer.

Which? research has found that dishwashers and washing machines typically last for 10 years before they’re replaced due to faults or poor performance. Fridge-freezers and tumble dryers typically last for 11 years.

When Which? asked its members how long they thought a smart appliance might last, 69% per cent said they would expect it to last the same length of time as a non-smart equivalent.

But many manufacturers are failing to give clarity about the length of time their products would be supported with important security updates – without which they would potentially be rendered a security risk.

Smart appliances come with a range of useful features that allow users to control them remotely using a phone, save money by improving efficiency, or send alerts to engineers when a fault is connected.

However, without regular security and software updates, they could lose smart functionality and leave all the data on the owner’s home network open to hackers – raising the environmentally disastrous prospect of expensive machines that still work being replaced before their time and even ending up in landfill because they are not supported or secure.

When Which? asked major manufacturers about how long their products would receive vital software updates, it found most were not being transparent, and one suggested that it could even stop providing security support after only a couple of years.

The majority of manufacturers claimed they would offer updates for what they termed ‘the life of  the product’ – but refused to say how long they would expect that to be.

Samsung said ‘a minimum of two years’. Hoover/Candy claimed an appliance’s lifetime depends on factors like regularity of use and whether the appliance is loaded or maintained correctly.

BSH (which makes Bosch, Neff and Siemens appliances) said that it is difficult to provide a specific length of time for updates across its smart products but reiterated that it would provide updates for the lifetime of the product. Whirlpool stated that it does not have a timeframe for updates.

LG said that if issues are detected, updates can be rolled out to consumers, but it did not confirm any timeframes for the duration of support. Beko said ‘a maximum of 10 years’.

Only Miele was definitive. It said from the outset that it would support its smart appliances with 10 years of security updates, matching Which?’s research that shows how long these products typically last.

It tends to reserve smart functionality for its higher-end products, often costing more than £1,000, and they sometimes have 10-year parts and labour guarantees too.

Which? wants manufacturers to be transparent about how long customers will receive the adequate updates and support needed to ensure the functionality of smart features when they buy an appliance.

Currently, none of the manufacturers Which? spoke to have published a length of update policy in their terms of use.

Most of these products should work without an internet connection but it might not always be the case. Losing the smart features could mean that customers have rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 which requires products to be “of satisfactory quality”, “fit for purpose” and “as described”.

Under these circumstances, it is not surprising that in Which?’s survey six in 10 people (61%) who do not already own a smart appliance said they would not consider buying one.

A new EU directive could make it clearer where owners of smart appliances stand. If adopted in the UK, the directive would mean consumers have more protections with digital elements of appliances, including an obligation to guarantee the smart functioning of a product (through updates, for example).

The UK government has also set out plans for legislation requiring smart appliances to meet certain security standards. These proposals would oblige manufacturers to state the minimum length of time the device will receive security updates.

Which? will closely scrutinise the development of legislation around security standards to ensure it  works to prevent security-risk products ending up in people’s homes and will continue to put pressure on manufacturers to give their customers the transparency they need to make informed decisions about buying smart products.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? Head of Home Products and Services, said: “’Being able to check the contents of your fridge from your smartphone or having your dishwasher order itself more salt when it starts running low may seem appealing, but with some appliances costing up to an extra £900, these smart features don’t come cheap.

“Until manufacturers are clear and upfront about how long they will support these products for, consumers could be better off avoiding smart appliances that might turn ‘dumb’ after only a few years and stick to more reliable and significantly cheaper non-smart alternatives.”

BPS advice on supporting each other at work following the death of a colleague

Grief at any time is difficult and painful and even under normal circumstances the death of a colleague can be challenging and represent a significant loss.

The realities of Covid-19 means that there are additional challenges for people mourning the death of a colleague due to the lack of access to support from friends, family and colleagues.

The British Psychological Society’s Covid-19 bereavement task force has launched a new document, ‘Supporting each other following the death of a colleague’, to help people understand their feelings and reaction if they do lose a colleague during this time.

Professor Nichola Rooney, chair of the task force, said: “Sadly, many people have been bereaved during the Covid-19 pandemic, with some grieving the death of a colleague.

“We spend a lot of time at work and often form close bonds with people we work with, so losing a colleague at a time when we may not have our usual support networks can be particularly difficult.”

The booklet gives advice on how to cope with returning to work following the death of a colleague and encourages employees to take advantage of the support that is available to them and allowing for the fact that work may be affected by the grieving process.

It encourages people to take the opportunity to consider marking the death through a memorial at either at work or at home, if that is someone’s current workplace, but also to plan for other remembrance activities in the future once the current crisis abates.

The guidance is part of a suite of resources produced by the BPS’s Covid-19 bereavement task force, aimed at helping people manage their grief during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Supporting each other following the death of a colleague

Council cracks on with Spaces for People programme

Work to deliver a package of measures supporting walking, cycling and wheeling in Edinburgh is continuing apace, as more than 1,700 residents share their own suggestions for improvements.

The council has begun implementing two temporary segregated cycle lanes on Old Dalkeith Road and Crewe Road South, providing safer routes as traffic increases for essential workers travelling to the city’s main hospitals, the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Western General.

The next set of interventions will focus on supporting economic recovery, as and when businesses begin to reopen, in line with the Scottish Government’s phased approach to lifting lockdown.

Temporary changes will target the city centre and local high streets, helping people to visit these areas while maintaining physical distancing, without having to resort to private car use. We are aiming to introduce the first changes by the end of next week, which include:

  • The partial closure of Waverley Bridge at the junction with East Market Street, helping pedestrians and cyclists travel safely while meeting physical distancing requirements
  • Footway widening at junctions and a bus, cycle and taxi gate on North Bridge to improve pedestrian routes and aid cycling and public transport provision
  • Footway widening and a bus, cycle and taxi gate on East Princes Street and South St David Street

Each of these measures is currently undergoing an agreed five-day notification period with ward councillors, transport spokespeople, community councils and stakeholders including Living Streets, Spokes, the Edinburgh Access Panel and RNIB.

Feedback will help the development of final, detailed designs and will inform refinements as appropriate once measures are implemented. This was the case on Crewe Road South, where the council says they have worked to change cycle lanes from advisory to segregated in response to feedback received.

A dedicated team is now working through their remaining programme of measures, along with suggestions received, using an assessment framework of 16 scoring criteria. By applying weighted criteria, the council says it is making sure it prioritises improvements that will deliver the greatest overall benefits within the short timeframe available.

Transport and Environment Convener Lesley Macinnes said: “We’re working quickly to deliver an ambitious package of measures to help people continue to walk, cycle, wheel and use public transport as we navigate our way out of this unprecedented situation.

Of course, we want to get these interventions on the ground as quickly as possible and there’s a lot of work going on to deliver temporary changes within tight timescales. But we’re also involving stakeholders in that process, including active travel and equality groups, to get designs for local schemes right, which takes a little bit of time.

“It’s clear that there’s a lot of interest in and support for our plans, demonstrated by the many suggestions we’ve received via email and the Commonplace tool. I’d like to thank everyone who has had their say so far – our dedicated team will continue to work through these ideas, building on them where we can.

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Karen Doran said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the measures we’ve already implemented across the city, which have made residents and their families feel safer strolling or cycling from their homes.

“Today we begin installing two segregated cycle lanes to help essential workers cycle safely to our main hospitals. Next up, we’ll be implementing significant changes in our key shopping streets to encourage people to spend time there on foot, bike or wheelchair as businesses begin to reopen.

“These interventions, paired with our Paths for Everyone campaign encouraging physical distancing on off-road paths, are essential to help encourage active travel as we return to a sense of normality.”

Dave Keane, Infrastructure Manager, Sustrans Scotland, added: “The City of Edinburgh Council has shown great ambition to make it easier for people to get around safely on foot, by bike or wheelchair as we transition out of lockdown.

“We hope people living in Edinburgh will engage with the Commonplace mapping tool – it’s really simple, clear and easy to give feedback. Most importantly, it will help the council get a clear picture of what people think of the temporary measures already put in place and where other interventions are needed most.”

The Commonplace tool, launched recently with Sustrans, lets people highlight barriers to safe physical distancing and suggest improvements on an interactive map. Since then we’ve received over 1,500 suggestions, which are in addition to around 200 suggestions already received via email. Feedback will be taken on board as much as possible – for example, measures proposed at East Princes Street and North Bridge directly respond to a number of concerns raised around narrow pavements and traffic volumes.

While we welcome every response, we won’t be able to deliver all the improvements suggested, with any work dependent on available funding, procurement of materials and the availability of contractors.

This week, the notification process begins on the next phase of city centre measures, which will be implemented during week commencing 15 June and include:

  • Widened footways and segregated cycleways on George IV Bridge to allow people to access shops, bars and restaurants safely
  • Widened footways and a segregated uphill cycleway on the Mound and Bank Street for access to local businesses
  • Reduced through traffic and widened pavements on South Bridge for better pedestrian access
  • Introduction of a short section of segregated cycleway on Forrest Road, leading towards George IV Bridge

From 15 June we will also be notifying stakeholders of plans for footway widening and servicing arrangements in local town centres. These include: Morningside, Bruntsfield, Tollcross, Gorgie/Dalry, Newington/Southside, Portobello, Corstorphine High Street and Queensferry High Street.

Aligning with future phases of the Scottish Government’s lifting of lockdown restrictions, later stages of the Spaces for People programme will support sustainable travel on key arterial routes and subsequently will focus on measures to make journeys to places of education as safe and sustainable as possible.

Several improvements are already in place across the city, with the first set of schemes aiming to facilitate safe and accessible routes to green spaces and local amenities. These have included partial road closures in Portobello, Warriston, Silverknowes and Leith and have been welcomed by communities, creating safe spaces for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Find out more about the Spaces for People programme and share your suggestions on the Council website.

Millions have to use annual leave for caring duties

  • 4.4 million people have to use annual leave for caring duties – Phoenix calls on Government to accelerate legislation to provide greater support for employed carers
  • 3 in 5 working carers (60%) in the UK had to take annual leave to carry out caring duties in the last year, taking on average 6 days from their annual leave allowance
  • 2.5 million[ii] employed carers say their employer does not support carers’ needs for additional leave
  • 3 in 10 UK workers (30%) may have to give up their existing job due to unsupportive employers
  • 7 in 10 people (71%) support a statutory carer’s leave
  • Phoenix CEO and Government’s Business Champion for Older Workers, Andy Briggs, calls for current Government proposals for a statutory right to 5 days unpaid Carer’s Leave to have accelerated implementation, and for employers that can, to offer these days as paid.

In the last year, 4.4 million employed carers took annual leave specifically to care for someone else, taking on average 6 days out of their annual leave allowance, research from Phoenix Group today reveals.

While the UK Government is currently consulting on the introduction of working carer’s statutory rights which notably includes five days unpaid leave, Phoenix Group, a leading savings and retirement business, is calling for the new legislation to be brought forward and for employers who can, to offer the five days leave as paid without delay.

Andy Briggs, Chief Executive Phoenix Group and Government Business Champion for Older Workers, explains; “Employed carers should not have to decide between continuing to work and caring for loved ones. 

“Just like working parents, working carers face ongoing challenges as a result of their commitments and need specific support. As we recognise the important role of all carers this national Carers Week and the additional pressure many face due to the pandemic, we call on the Government to accelerate legislation on statutory leave for those carers who want to continue to work, while caring for someone who depends on them.”

Worryingly, when asked, three in ten UK workers (30%) believe they might be forced to give up their existing job due to an unsupportive and inflexible employer if they needed to help care for a dependent or relative, which is heightened among working carers with almost two thirds (63%) agreeing.

As today marks the start of Carers Week, an entire week dedicated to raising awareness of caring, it is poignant that only one in five (19%) UK workers say their employer currently supports carers’ needs for additional annual leave.

Just over half the UK workforce (52%) admit they would really struggle to afford to give up work and care for a loved one, but without greater flexibility and support in the workplace, it’s clear that many feel they may be forced down this route, giving up their financial security in order to care for a loved one. Just over a quarter (27%) would need to go part-time or reduce their hours.

The research also shows that people in the UK are advocates for employed carer’s rights, with the majority (76%) stating that businesses should support those who have carer responsibilities. Seven in ten people (71%) approve of statutory carer’s leave, which would be unpaid in line with statutory parental leave, while over two in five of us (43%) support statutory paid carer’s leave.

COVID has shone a spotlight on the importance of carers, yet over half of UK workers (57%) believe that their company is no more or less likely to support employees who need to manage caring responsibilities in the future.

A recent report from Carers UK shows that almost a fifth (17%) of working carers reported either having lost or given up their job or being unable to work because of the social distancing rules.

Carers UK estimates that paid carers leave of at least five days a year could save the UK economy around £3.5bn a year.

Briggs, who is calling for all businesses that can to offer at least five days paid carers leave, said: “Rights for employed carers have long needed to be formalised.

“COVID has served to heighten awareness of the support required as many are struggling to balance work commitments with caring responsibilities. We know from our research that time is sacred to carers, with 59% saying they consider more flexible working hours a fair employee benefit.

“The proposed statutory changes will provide a healthier work-life balance for unpaid carers and employers will be able to retain valuable members of their workforce.

 “We are calling on all employers that are able, to offer a minimum of five days paid carers leave, to relieve some of the pressures employed carers face, enable them to continue in current employment and ensure annual leave remains sacrosanct.”

Anne Willmot, Age at Work Director at Business in the Community, adds: “This research from Business in the Community member Phoenix Group makes both a compelling case that the introduction of Carers Leave for working carers is both urgently needed and has widespread support.

“Our own research shows that while 90% of Line Managers feel confident in responding to the needs of carers, employees report that line managers often lack awareness of what is possible and how to implement policies.

“The quality of support from line managers often relies on their personal experience of caring responsibilities.  We strongly encourage employers to offer paid carers leave and this will particularly help those on lower incomes to continue to balance their work and their caring responsibilities.”

Madeleine Starr MBE, Director of Business Development and Innovation at Carers UK, said: “This pandemic has shone a light on the huge number of people trying to juggle their work with caring responsibilities – for some, a new caring role they have taken on since the start of the pandemic.

“As carers begin returning to work, it has never been so important that Government and UK employers recognise the challenges they face juggling work and care. For some it becomes too much – every day, 600 people give up work to care. Many more reduce their working hours or turn down a promotion because of their caring role, which has a significant impact on their finances and wellbeing.

“It is crucial that employees with caring responsibilities get dedicated support and we have long campaigned to get them a right to at least 5 days of care leave, ideally paid. This would support the economy: helping to keep more people in work, and ensure carers’ health and wellbeing is also looked after.”

Carers Week runs from 8th – 14th June 2020.

New health measures for travellers to Scotland

The UK government’s plans for 14 days self-quarantining of arrivals will spell disaster for Scotlands aviation industry – GMB 

GMB, the union for aviation staff, has described the UK government’s plans to introduce self-quarantine for UK arrivals as ‘ill thought out’. 

From today (Monday 08 June) arrivals to the UK will be expected to quarantine for 14 day save for a list of exempted professions.

GMB believes the move lacks scientific evidence and will be disastrous for the aviation industry and the economy in Scotland.

The union has launched the Save Our Airports campaign with six key demands which include extending the 80% furlough scheme for another 12 months, a financial package to support the aviation industry and a commitment to work with unions to deliver a way forward for the industry.

In 2018 the aviation industry supported almost 23,000 jobs in Scotland and contributed more than £240 million to the economy. The gross median salary of an air transport worker in 2018 was around £30,000.

In recent weeks many of these workers have been risking their own health facilitating cargo flights containing vital medical, food supplies and PPE to aid in the national effort against Covid 19 infections.

The union argue that airports are of huge significance to regional economies; providing highly skilled jobs which are often difficult to replicate, whilst also contributing to the creation of almost 126,000 supply chain jobs.

GMB national officer Nadine Houghton said: “The UK Government’s plans for self-quarantining arrivals to the UK will prove disastrous for an already beleaguered aviation industry. 

“This is a populist move, made without any real scientific evidence or consultation with the industry and unions representing hundreds of thousands of workers throughout the sector.

“Many people forget the huge significance of the aviation industry to the economy of Scotland and the impact this quarantine will have on much needed jobs here.

“Aviation jobs aren’t just about airlines, cabin crew and pilots; the aviation industry provides important supply chain jobs to baggage handlers, security, fire crews, taxi drivers and retail workers.

“If the UK government don’t end this ill thought out policy and step in with a bespoke financial package for aviation then thousands of regional aviation jobs will be lost. It’s not too late for the UK government to act.”

The new public health measures come into force today (8 June) to help suppress coronavirus (COVID-19) and prevent new cases being brought into Scotland.

The range of measures, which will be broadly similar to those in other parts of the UK, will include:

  • a requirement for residents and visitors entering the UK from abroad to self-isolate for 14 days
  • the completion of an online passenger locator form by all travellers prior to travel to supply contact details, travel details and the address of where they will self-isolate
  • spot checks at the border by Border Force, who may impose fines on travellers who refuse to comply
  • arrangements for some of those arriving into Scotland to be contacted during their period of self-isolation for the provision of public health advice and information
  • powers for police to impose a fixed penalty notice for anyone failing to comply with the mandatory conditions, with the ability to report persistent offenders to the Procurator Fiscal for potential prosecution

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We are, as a country and across the world, continuing to deal with unprecedented challenges that this pandemic brings. These public health measures will play an important part in helping to prevent further spread of the disease.

“These steps are aimed at protecting people and ensuring that we limit spread when our own infection rates are falling. However, they are temporary and will not be in place any longer than deemed necessary to protect public health – as such, they will be reviewed after three weeks.”

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “Over the past few weeks, the UK government has caused endless confusion among travellers over whether holidays can go ahead.

“Even today, as it ushers in 14-day quarantine for UK arrivals, many consumers are confused as to whether the holiday they already have booked will take place due to the lack of consistent communication from the government.

“Meanwhile, the absence of a definitive date from the FCO on when its travel ban will remain in force until continues to allow travel firms to sell holidays departing in the next few weeks that almost certainly can’t go ahead.

“Not only will those customers not get a holiday, but they may not get their money back either – as some travel firms continue to delay and deny refunds.”

392,000 become unpaid carers in Scotland in a matter of weeks

  • Nearly 400,000 additional people in Scotland caring for older, disabled or seriously ill relatives or friends since the Covid-19 pandemic
  • Unpaid carers and those not caring just as worried about stress and responsibility of providing unpaid care
  • Scottish public demands better deal for unpaid carers
  • Carers Week charities call on Government to recognise unpaid carers’ efforts and rebuild country’s care and support services. 

New figures released for Carers Week (8th – 14th June 2020) show an estimated 392,000 people in Scotland have become unpaid carers a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is on top of the 729,000 unpaid carers in Scotland who were already caring before the outbreak, bringing the total to 1.1 million.

Approximately 239,000 women (61%) and 153,000 men (39%) have started caring for relatives who are older, disabled or living with a physical or mental illness.

Typically, they will have been supporting loved ones from afar, helping with food shopping, collecting medicine, managing finances and providing reassurance and emotional support during the pandemic.

Some will have taken on intense caring roles, helping with tasks such as personal care, moving around the home, administering medication and preparing meals.

Over 227,000 (58%) Scots who have started caring since the outbreak are also juggling paid work alongside their caring responsibilities, highlighting the need for working carers to be supported as they return to offices and work sites.

The six charities supporting Carers Week – Carers Scotland, Age UK, Carers Trust Scotland, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Oxfam GB and Rethink Mental Illness – are calling on the Government to recognise and raise awareness of the role unpaid carers are playing during the pandemic and ensure they are supported through it, and beyond.

Both unpaid carers (74%) and adults without caring responsibilities (76%) said managing the stress and responsibility of being an unpaid carer was/ would be the top challenge when caring. Scotland’s families are under a huge amount of pressure managing their caring roles and are worried about how they will cope in the weeks and months ahead. 

Simon Hodgson, Director of Carers Scotland, said: “Recognising the contribution of unpaid carers to our society and properly supporting them has never been more important than during this pandemic.

“Unpaid carers should not be taken for granted by the Scottish and UK Governments in this crisis. They must ensure that carers physical and mental health is looked after as well as introducing measures to protect financial wellbeing, career and education.

“It is imperative that, moving out of the pandemic, the Scottish Government ensures that care services are reinstated as quickly as is safely possible to reduce the pressure that so many carers are experiencing.

“They must also work with carers to rebuild and renew our care system so that carers are supported and families have improved and better access to the services and support they need to live better lives.”

Polling of the general public shows unpaid carers have become more visible within society since the pandemic began. There is a majority consensus in Scotland for unpaid carers to receive more support from the Government than they do currently.

  • Nearly half (43%) of the Scottish public who have never cared said they are more aware of unpaid carers than before the outbreak.
  • More than two thirds of the Scottish public (72%) do not think that unpaid carers have been supported by the Government during the crisis.
  • Nearly 4 in 5 (79%) of the Scottish thought the Government should increase support for unpaid carers: such as better financial support as well as investment in care and support services so that carers can take a break.

The six Carers Week charities are calling on Government to urgently deliver a plan for social care reform and set out long term investment in care and support services. This would give unpaid carers the opportunity to take breaks from their caring role, and stay in paid work if they want to.

The headline supporter of Carers Week 2020 is British Gas, who will be hosting a virtual Care for a Cuppa session with its employees with caring responsibilities, and Nutricia also supporting.