Dr Louise Lawson, a lecturer in social policy at the University of Glasgow and an unpaid carer, has called for social care reform to acknowledge the diverse experiences of unpaid carers. She noted that there is no single model of an unpaid carer, with roles varying significantly.
Dr Lawson's comments follow a report from Carers UK, which highlighted the increasing care needs of older people and a rise in younger individuals relying on unpaid care. She also referenced an article stating that approximately 1,500 Britons a day are leaving their jobs to become unpaid carers.
The challenges faced by carers include balancing paid work with caring responsibilities, with some leaving employment and struggling to return to the workforce. These experiences are influenced by factors such as the intensity and duration of care, available support, employer flexibility, and the nature of work.
Dr Lawson emphasised that effective support for unpaid carers requires a more nuanced approach, moving beyond policies based on a single model of care.