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Published on 20 October 2017

Returning to work after time out for caring

The LITRG welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation on the barriers to returning to work after time out for caring. In our response we have concentrated on the barriers faced by carers of older or disabled people who try and juggle their caring duties alongside a return to work. 

We suggest that tackling the following difficult issues would be a good start in supporting such people to return to work:

  • Problems in finding genuinely flexible positions and/or carer friendly workplaces
  • Difficulties with arranging replacement care given the current social care crisis.
  • The toxic interaction between Carer’s Allowance, the minimum wage and tax credits
  • Lack of awareness around Carer’s Credit and how it can help build a National Insurance record
  • The prospect that carers may have to rely on the judgement of tax credit/Universal Credit decision makers when having their self employment/work capability assessed.  

We think the suggestions that we make in these areas are realistic and achievable and could help make a real difference relatively quickly and easily. We urge public bodies, including the Department for Health, HMRC and the DWP to work together to bring about these changes.

The consultation can be found on GOV.UK.

Our submission is available here: 

Meredith McCammond

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