Carers give up jobs for their work

Over half of all carers have given up their job or work few
hours because they care for someone, a survey into carers’
employment and skills has revealed, writes Anabel Unity
Sale.

‘The Learning and Skills Needs of Carers’ report by Carers
Advice and Resource Establishment, Sandwell (CARES) found that 63
per cent of carers felt there were barriers to them developing
their skills. The need for someone to take on the caring role in
their absence, and a lack of childcare facilities were identified
as the biggest barriers.

It also found that nearly half of all 25-40 year old carers
surveyed felt they needed to learn information technology skills,
and 20 per cent said they needed to improve their form-filling and
letter writing.

The report calls for professionals to do more to assist carers
to engage in their local areas. It says: “Agencies responsible for
employment, learning and skills for carers’ inclusion in
their communities should be aware of the importance of supporting
carers and those in transition.”

CARES won the Community Care Awards 2002 carers category last
week.

‘The Learning and Skills Needs of Carers’ from 0121 558 7003