New initiatives launched to help carers stay in paid work

The government has announced the launch of a series of pilot projects that will make it easier for carers to balance their care responsibilities with their careers.

A total of 1.6 million pounds has been allocated to supporting these pilot schemes, which will employ smartphones, email alerts and pop-up care centres to offer a combination of formal and informal support.

For example, one pilot will monitor adults receiving care via daily phone calls at an agreed time, then contact the carer to confirm they do not need assistance, while another will set up a pop-up business school to help carers establish themselves in self-employment.

It is estimated that helping these individuals to manage caring alongside paid work would generate potential savings of up to 1.3 billion pounds a year for the British economy.

Care and support minister Norman Lamb said: "Our Care Act will provide more support to carers than ever before by working with people, their employers and communities. This project will help us to build a stronger economy and a fairer society."

In April 2015, the new Care Act will come into force, giving carers equal status with the people they support in terms of their health and wellbeing needs.