Key facts about carers

Find out the latest facts and figures on adult and young carers for each of the regions below.

UK Facts
Adult carers:

There are almost 6 million carers in the UK today.
One in ten adults in the UK is a carer.
13 million people can expect to become carers in the next decade.
Over one in five – or 1.2 million - carers spends over 50 hours a week on their caring responsibilities.
42% of carers are men.
The peak age for caring is 45-64. 20% of adults in this age group provide care.
Of the 15.2 million employees aged 16-74 in full-time work, 1.6 million provide at least some unpaid care – 144,000 provide 50 or more hours a week.
More than 80% of carers say that caring has had an adverse impact on their health.
It is estimated carers save the country / Government £87 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.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers supports nearly 310,000 carers through 133 Carers’ Centres throughout the UK.

Young carers:

The 2001 Census indicated that there are 175,000 young carers aged under 18 in the UK today. However, a poll commissioned by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers in 2004 indicates that the number of young carers could be much higher.
Over 13,000 care for over 50 hours per week.
Young carers may look after relatives with a range of issues, including mental or physical illness, disability or alcohol or substance misuse.
The average age of a young carer is 12.
The lives of young carers are in some way restricted because of the need to take responsibility for the care of a person.
Almost 1/3 of young carers have educational difficulties. Many young carers miss days off school to care for someone. Some leave school with no qualifications. Most experience bullying and isolation from their peers.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers supports 15,500 young carers through 83 young carers’ services throughout the UK.

Scotland Facts
Adult carers:

There are an estimated 600,000 carers in Scotland today
100,000 carers are caring for more than 50 hours every week
One in eight people in Scotland is a carer.
80% of the care provided in Scotland is provided by unpaid carers at home
It is estimated carers save Scotland / the Scottish Executive £7.68 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.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers supports over 45,000 carers in Scotland through 29 Carers’ Centres reaching from Orkney to the Borders.

Young carers:

There are 100,000 young carers in Scotland, according to a 2004 survey of young people in Scotland by the Scottish Government.
One in every twelve secondary school children is a young carer
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers supports 2,600 young carers through 24 young carers’ services throughout Scotland.

Wales/Cymru Facts
Adult carers:

There are an estimated 356,000 adult carers in Wales today.
90,000 carers in Wales spend over 50 hours a week on their caring responsibilities.
Carers currently provide over 70% of community care in Wales.
It is estimated carers save the social economy of Wales £3.5 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.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers supports over 8,500 carers in Wales through 12 Carers’ Centres reaching from Cardiff to Anglesey.

Young carers:

The 2001 Census estimated that there are 4,600 young carers aged under 18 in Wales.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers supports over 240 young carers through 2 young carers’ services throughout Wales.

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