1. There are almost six million carers in the UK ¹

• East of England 520,209 
• East Midlands 435,741
• London 609,890
• North East 276,593
• North West 724,802
• Northern Ireland 185,066
• Scotland 481,579
• South East 737,751
• South West 495,442
• Wales 340,745
• West Midlands 558,421
• Yorkshire & The Humber 518,211

2. One in eight adults in the UK is a carer ¹

3. 3 million people juggle work with caring responsibilities for a disabled, ill or frail relative or friend ¹

4. The main carers’ benefit – Carers Allowance - is £55.55 for a minimum of 35 hours, equivalent to £1.59 per hour

5. People providing high levels of care are twice as likely to be permanently sick or disabled ²

6. Every year 2 million people take on new caring responsibilities ³

7. 1.25 million people care for more than 50 hours a week ¹

8. 58% of carers are women, 42% are men ¹

9. 1.5 million carers are over the age of 60 ¹

10. Carers’ unpaid contribution is £119 billion each year, yet the decision to care can mean a commitment to future poverty. Many give up an income, future employment prospects and pension rights to become a carer ⁴

¹ Census 2001

² In Poor Health, Carers UK 2004

³In The Know, Carers UK 2006

⁴ Carers UK / Leeds University 2011