State of Caring Report: Juggling paid employment and unpaid care
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 22nd January 2024
Find out more about Carers Scotland’s recently published report into working carers.
Carers Scotland has published new research on working carers which shows that half of working age carers lose £12,000 of income per year because they provide care.
This new report sets out the struggles that unpaid carers face in juggling paid work and unpaid care and the support that can help them stay in or return to work.
More than half (56%) of carers in paid employment were caring for 35 hours or more each week, which is equivalent to a full-time job, as well as working in paid employment or self-employment – either full or part-time.
The research identified the factors that support unpaid carers to be in paid employment or that impact on the carers leaving employment. These include affordable and accessible replacement social care and a supportive employer.
Should carers not receive the support they need to balance work and care, there can be long-lasting consequences. For example, giving up work to focus on caring can result in carers missing out on thousands of pounds of income. Therefore, it is not surprising that carers are also struggling with the cost of living with one in four (23%) working carers and 28% of all carers reporting that they are struggling to make ends meet.
The report sets out a range of recommendations for the Scottish Government, employers, local councils and health and social care partnerships on developing the environment that supports carers rather than create barriers to their aspirations.
This report publication comes at a similar time to the 10th anniversary of the Carer Positive initiative, which is run by Carers Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government. The initiative supports employers to create carer friendly workplaces. To date, over 260 organisations have achieved one of the three levels of accreditation (engaged, established or exemplary) and nearly 500,000 employees are covered by accredited employers.
Read a full copy of the report in the attached resources below.
End of page.
You may also like:
The annual survey by Carers UK helps to shape campaigns and policy work, based on the experiences of unpaid carers.
Continue readingThe Practice Learning Review Consultation will remain open until 23 July 2026
Continue readingMulti-year funding was at the centre of the Scottish Parliament debate on a Third Sector Partnership Agreement
Continue readingThe letter urges honesty on the financial challenges facing Scotland, and progressing reforms to council tax.
Continue readingALLIANCE consultation response calls for clearer guidance, sustained investment and local support to make carers' breaks a reality.
Continue readingThe letter also calls on the Scottish Government to appoint a dedicated Cabinet Secretary for Human Rights.
Continue readingThe letter calls on the UK Government to take steps to fully incorporate economic, social and cultural rights in law.
Continue readingParties set out positions on human rights, social care and more at our hustings ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election.
Continue readingAfter the Scottish Government scrapped the initial review, the most recent proposal suggests a smaller number of broader outcomes.
Continue readingYoung people’s feedback will help NHS 24 better understand needs and improve support services.
Continue readingALLIANCE input and lived experience evidence help shape stronger, person-centred and trauma-informed maternity care
Continue readingSupporting stronger information rights, while warning delivery must work for an already stretched sector
Continue readingA new resource by Adaptation Scotland to help social care professionals integrate climate adaptation into care planning and delivery.
Continue readingRead more about the ALLIANCE response to the report on the impact of COVID-19 on the health and social care sector in Scotland.
Continue readingUp to £20 million to be delivered via Independent Living Fund to help people live in their communities
Continue readingRefined plans focus on practical measure to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence.
Continue readingMarie Curie has published new analysis showing that almost one in three people in Scotland die without the palliative care they need.
Continue readingThis budget must put the third sector on a sustainable footing, and deliver on the Government's pledge to abolish social care charges.
Continue readingShare your views before 19 February
Continue readingReform of the council tax system is long overdue, with the current system negatively impacting funding for services including social care.
Continue readingFirst monitoring report shows improvements in wellbeing and services alongside ongoing gaps in data and unequal outcomes
Continue readingProgress in many areas is welcome, but the budget must go further on social care, mental health and third sector support.
Continue readingThe 'joint statement on prevention' partners have issued a follow-up ahead of the 2026-27 Scottish Budget.
Continue readingEvent calls for human rights to be a priority ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections in 2026.
Continue readingCommission raises concerns over the state of economic, social and cultural rights in Scotland
Continue reading