- Today is Carers' Rights Day
Ann McKechin MP has added her support to Carers UK’s national carers’ rights campaign today, Friday 4th December 2009. There are over six million unpaid carers in the UK who provide care and support to family, friends and neighbours, providing unpaid care worth an estimated £87 billion each year. The Carers' Rights Day campaign, run by Carers UK, seeks to increase the take-up of benefits and raise awareness of carers’ rights and the support that they may be able to get in order to protect their pensions. It might be the Carer’s Allowance, council tax discount, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit that makes a difference. In Glasgow City alone there are over 50,000 registered carers, and we want to ensure that they receive all the information and support they need to ensure they are receiving a proper income and protection for their future pension. Ann McKechin MP said:  “It’s a real concern that thousands of carers here in Glasgow may not be getting all the help they are entitled to. Carers are fulfilling a vital role in society and without their hard work the NHS and social care system would struggle to cope. It is essential that they are given information about their rights so that they get the support they need in order to plan for their futures.”
Carers Scotland urged carers to get in touch with its Advice line (0808 808 7777 or www.carerscotland.org) to receive a free booklet. Carers can also pick up booklets in their local Lloyds pharmacy store. Patrick Begley, Director of Carers Scotland said: “Many people assume that we will all automatically get a state pension, but you don’t. Pensions are built up from National Insurance contributions over the years. Many carers haven’t been able to make those contributions because of gaps in paid work and, despite their huge contribution to our society, there is a real risk that they will end up with less pension in their retirement. That is why it is so important they get advice and take steps to protect their pensions.”
To coincide with Carers Rights Day, Carers Scotland and Carers UK are publishing two new resources to help carers with advice, Caring about your pension and Looking after someone: A carer’s guide to rights and entitlements. You can get the advice booklets here: Carers can order printed copies of both publications in a number of ways: Visit www.carerscotland.org. Call Carers UK’s free phone hotline on 0808 808 7777. Email
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. Visit any Lloyds pharmacy store - to find local stores visit www.loydspharmacy.com
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