Government pension reform must recognise carers

At any given time, a staggering 390,000 carers are not building up entitlements to a basic state pension.  Research by Carers UK and others shows carers face a number of key problems in building up pensions in retirement. 

From evidence provided by carers we know that:

• carers providing significant care often have disrupted employment records - one in five carers has given up work to care
• complicated benefit rules leave some carers without pension protection.
• other benefit rules omit carers from building up a full pension
• some benefit rules actively deter carers from working when they would like to
• lack of knowledge about entitlements means other carers have gaps in their pension record because they did not claim early enough
• many carers take part-time and low paid employment (in order to keep on working and caring) which leaves many with little or no occupational pensions
• health and other care support services are not organised in a way that helps carers remain in work
  

Carers UK's research has found that carers are shocked and angry when they do not receive a full state pension on retirement, particularly if they have spent years caring for a disabled relative or friend instead of working, in essence saving the Government billions a year in care.  In a major consultation with carers, one of their key recommendations was to ensure that carers had better pensions and that their contribution to society was fully recognised. 

A Pensions Commission set up by Government has made a number of recommendations which seek to plug some of the simple gaps in benefit rules for carers.   As Government now considers the report from the Commission, Carers UK wants them to ensure that all their future plans take account of carers needs and their contribution to society. 

As well as looking at a full state pension for carers, Carers UK believes the Government needs to maximise carers opportunities so that they have real choices about working, in better jobs and for longer, if they wish to.  For those that cannot work, their contribution also needs to be fully recognised.

Carers UK will be adding the carers' voice to the pensions debate and will be publishing further briefings over time.