This response is provided by the National Carers Organisations (NCOs) in Scotland to the UK Government “Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working” Green Paper.

Our response does not intend to respond in depth to the consultation, but instead to set out our concerns
over the detrimental impact such reforms would have on unpaid carers.

Read and download the response at the link below.

“A new model of working which includes unpaid carers in decision making can’t come soon enough. Caregiving is a social determinant of health and statistics show staggering health inequalities for unpaid carers. Systematic and routine identification of carers – to support their wellbeing and to listen to their experiences – is vitally important.

“Carers UK welcomes the announcement that there will be a new section for the NHS app called ‘My Carer’. The administration involved in accessing support for the person they care for often leaves carers feeling burnt out and overwhelmed. A single patient record, utilised across healthcare settings, will make a big difference for carers who feel the continual pressure of advocating and communicating for those they support. There is exciting potential to harness new digital technology to change this and to raise awareness amongst NHS staff whilst ensuring that those who are digitally excluded are well looked after.

“For this plan to be a success, we must see the same transformation and investment for social care to protect carers’ health through respite breaks, as well as their ability to juggle work and care. Carers UK will continue to campaign on this, calling for clear plans for social care reform so that carers can also access high-quality social care services when they need them.”