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Carers UK has campaigned for many years for more flexibility and higher pensions for those who are unable to work because they are looking after elderly, sick or disabled friends or relatives. Research shows that one in five carers is forced to give up employment to care, resulting in gaps in their pension record. Currently many thousands of carers are not building up entitlements to the basic state pension, leaving them at risk of poverty at retirement.
The Pensions Act has completed its passage through Parliament. The is an enormous milestone in carers' rights, meaning that for the first time a lifetime of caring is treated on a par with a lifetime of paid work by the State Pension system.
Page Last Modified: 05/09/2008
