Discrimination against carers to be banned

The government has this week said it plans to ban discrimination against carers by protecting people who are "associated with" a disabled person.

Carers who feel discriminated against in the workplace or by a service provider will soon be able to complain to an employment tribunal or the County Court.

Minister for Women and Equality, Harriet Harman, announced the change will be included in the Equality Bill which is expected to be published later in April.

Carole Cochrane, Chief Executive of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers welcomed the announcement: "With this change coming immediately after the government finally accepted carers should be included in the Saving Gateway scheme, we have shown the strength of our arguments that carers need and deserve more support.

"The government should be congratulated on listening to the evidence and experiences of carers. There are still many issues that we need the government to address and we will continue working on these, hopefully with the same success."

Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK said: "This is a highly significant decision for carers. Carers UK has consistently lobbied for greater rights for carers as we hear regularly through our helpline that carers are being discriminated against. We have pressed the Government at every opportunity calling for carers to be given these rights."

Last year, a landmark European court decision ruled that EU law protecting employees against discrimination at work due to disability, also applies to their carers.

Carer, Sharon Coleman, felt forced to resign as legal secretary due to her employer refusing her flexible working arrangements to enable her to work and care for her son, who was born with serious respiratory problems.

She claimed she was discriminated against because she had a disabled son and was treated less favourably than employees whose children were not disabled.

The 'Saving Gateway' is a scheme in which the government will help people to save by making a contribution towards every pound saved. After pressure led by Steve Ladyman MP, the government agreed to include carers who receive Carer’s Allowance in the scheme.

Savers will be able to pay up to £25 a month into their account for two years. At the end of the two years the government will make a contribution of 50 pence for each £1 saved.