Family duties force many out of jobs

Nearly one in five carers has had to leave a job or has been unable
to take one because of their caring responsibilities, according to
new research.

The survey, commissioned by the Equal Opportunities Commission,
approached 1,820 parents and 470 carers. It also found that four
out of 10 mothers had had to leave a job or been unable to take one
because of their child care responsibilities.

The Parents’ and Carers’ Coalition is calling for the main
political parties to develop and back policies that can support
individuals with caring responsibilities. The coalition was
launched last week and includes organisations such as Age Concern,
the Daycare Trust, and Disability Alliance.

Julie Mellor, chairperson of the EOC, said there was a
“groundswell” of support for political action to help parents and
carers. A follow-up survey, carried out by the EOC and covering
1,000 people, found that just over two-thirds of adults said their
vote was likely to be influenced by what the parties intended to do
to help parents and carers.

– More from www.eoc.org.uk