Sandwich generation carers increasingly forced to cut working hours, study finds

Nearly four in 10 adults aged 45 to 75 who care for an elderly relative have either stopped working altogether or reduced their hours, leading to significant income losses and long-term employment consequences, according to research from Just Group.

The study showed that 37% of carers in this age group have stepped back from paid work to meet caring responsibilities, with 9% leaving employment entirely and a further 28% cutting their hours.

Among those who are the sole carer for an elderly dependant, the impact is even more pronounced: 14% have exited the workforce and 33% have reduced their working time.

This withdrawal from employment is resulting in substantial financial losses.

Carers who reduce their hours report an average income loss of £522 per month, equivalent to £6,268 a year.

Around one in seven (14%) say their monthly income has fallen by more than £1,000 as a direct result of providing care.

Alongside lost earnings, carers are also absorbing additional costs linked to their caring role.

Out-of-pocket expenses such as travel, food shopping and other essentials average £100 per month, with 11% spending more than £200 each month on these hidden costs.