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Nearly two thirds of carers say their career prospects have been adversely affected because of their responsibilities, according to a new survey launched to coincide with National Carers Week, writes Helen McCormack.

The survey of 2,900 carers by charity Carers UK also found that three quarters of those canvassed used annual leave when they needed time off to care for a relative or friend.

While a high proportion - 87 per cent  - said their employers knew they were a carer, almost a third said their bosses did not provide flexible working hours.

The announcement of the survey coincides with Carers Week, organised by an amalgamation of charities seeking to raise awareness for the needs of the UK’s six million unpaid carers.

Carers Week manager Paul Matz said the results “vividly demonstrated” the difficulties faced in balancing work and caring.