Unpaid carers looking after loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic are saving the taxpayer £530 million per day, according to new research by Carers UK.
The new study, released on Carers Rights Day, revealed care provided by unpaid carers was valued at £135 billion for the eight months of the pandemic so far as people took on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and need support.
Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said: “With every day that this pandemic goes on, unpaid carers are being pushed to the limit providing ever more care for loved ones with fast-diminishing support.
“They say they feel completely overlooked, overwhelmed, and can’t go on like this.”
Carers Rights Day aims to raise awareness of the work done by unpaid carers and help those providing care understand their rights and know where to find support.
Carers UK is now calling on ministers to “recognise the contribution of millions of carers” and “protect their health and wellbeing” during the crisis.