1. There are almost six million carers in the UK ¹

East of England 520,209
East Midlands 435,741
London 609,890
North East 276,593
North West 724,802
Northern Ireland 185,066
Scotland 481,579
South East 737,751
South West 495,442
Wales 340,745
West Midlands 558,421
Yorkshire & The Humber 518,211

2. One in eight adults in the UK is a carer ¹

3. 3 million people juggle work with caring responsibilities for a disabled, ill or frail relative or friend ¹

4. The main carers’ benefit – Carers Allowance - is £53.10 for a minimum of 35 hours, equivalent to £1.52 per hour

5. People providing high levels of care are twice as likely to be permanently sick or disabled ²

6. Every year 2 million people take on new caring responsibilities ³

7. 1.25 million people care for more than 50 hours a week ¹

8. 58% of carers are women, 42% are men ¹

9. 1.5 million carers are over the age of 60 ¹

10. Carers’ unpaid contribution is £87 billion each year, yet the decision to care can mean a commitment to future poverty. Many give up an income, future employment prospects and pension rights to become a carer ⁴

¹ Census 2001

² In Poor Health, Carers UK 2004

³ In The Know, Carers UK 2006

⁴ Carers UK / Leeds University 2007