A new report by Carers Scotland, authored by the University of Strathclyde, has highlighted significant barriers faced by Scotland’s unpaid carers in entering the labour market. The study, which surveyed 320 unpaid carers and conducted focus groups, found that 69% of unpaid carers want employment to lead a life beyond caring, with over half (55%) aiming to increase their earnings beyond just covering bills.
The report reveals that one-third of carers (32%) face ‘carer discrimination’ as a challenge to employment. Additionally, 62% of carers cited the hours needed for providing care as a barrier, 59% worried about employers not understanding their caring roles, and 49% were concerned about the lack of flexible working options. Furthermore, 42% of carers noted the lack of access to social care or replacement care as a significant hurdle.
Carers Scotland is urging the Scottish Government to commission a new employability action plan focused on unpaid carers. The organisation also calls for unpaid carers to be prioritised by local employability partnerships across Scotland, leading to more tailored support reflecting carers’ needs.
Richard Meade, director of Carers Scotland, said: “Many unpaid carers want to be employed alongside the caring role, but often do not get the support they need. We need to see more comprehensive employability support for those unpaid carers that want to be employed to help them return to the labour market and to stay in a job once they have one.
“Being employed not only supports the unpaid carer financially, but crucially offers a life outside of caring and a chance to pursue careers they have invested education, training and passion in. It’s time we unlocked the door of opportunity for Scotland’s unpaid carers.”
Dr Harleen Rai of Strathclyde University commented: “Our research is grounded in the real-life experiences of unpaid carers who, through their engagement, have shared their unique stories with us. While no carer journey is the same, it is clear that unpaid carers are highly motivated to be in employment for many reasons but are often met with insurmountable barriers which can be both disheartening and frustrating. We need a collective effort to strengthen current employability support while putting the individual at its centre and increasing sensitivity to the needs and aspirations of unpaid carers for their desired employment.”
Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, added: “Across Scotland, too many people who care for others are exposed to financial hardship and poverty due to their caring not being properly valued, rewarded and supported. Unpaid carers often feel let down at every turn; they’re forced to rely on inadequate levels of social security while facing multiple barriers to accessing paid employment. It’s time for both employers and all levels of government to step up, scale up and speed up the support offered to unpaid carers to ensure that no one faces the injustice of poverty as a consequence of caring.”