As part of Carers Week 2025, the Carers Week partners in Scotland have written a briefing to the share the key findings from the latest research on unpaid carers in Scotland. The attached briefing outlines the significant challenges unpaid carers face and the urgent need for action.

Key messages from the briefing:

· 1 in 7 people in Scotland are currently providing unpaid care, with over 716,000 carers and 28,000 young carers.

· Carers face disproportionate financial hardship: 28% live in poverty, and 65% of those on carer-related benefits are struggling with essentials like food and heating.

· Employment is impacted: 24% of carers in Scotland have reduced working hours, and 15% have left work entirely due to caring responsibilities.

· Health inequalities are stark: 41% of carers report worsening physical or mental health, and over half struggle to maintain their own well being. Around a quarter (24%) of current or former carers said they had postponed or cancelled a medical appointment, test, scan, treatment or therapy because of caring

We hope you find the briefing of interest alongside the full Carers Week report which can be found at www.carersweek.org.