There are almost six million carers in the UK One in ten adults in the UK is a carer 1 3 million people juggle work with caring responsibilities for a disabled, ill or frail relative or friend [1] The main carers’ benefit – Carers Allowance - is £46.96 for a minimum of 35 hours, equivalent to £1.34 per hour The main carers’ benefit – Carers Allowance - is £46.96 for a minimum of 35 hours, equivalent to £1.34 per hour People providing high levels of care are twice as likely to be permanently sick or disabled Every year 2 million people take on new caring responsibilities 1.25 million people provide over 50 hours a week on their caring responsibilities [1] 58% of carers are women, 42% are men [3] 1.3 million carers are over the age of 65 [1] 27% of carers questioned said they had been offered a health check; 88% believed that carers should receive annual health checks [4] Carers save the country / Government £57 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 [2] [1] Census 2001 [2] Carers UK / Institute of Actuaries 2002 [3] General Household Survey 2000 [4] Carers Week survey of 5,604 carers 2006