Carers 'face dire financial position'

Around 59 per cent of carers said they gave up paid work to look after a sick or disabled relative, while more than half of those who still work earn less than 10,000.

Six out of 10 said they spent all their savings supporting the person they care for, according to the Princess Royal Trust for Carers. Nearly two-thirds borrowed money from family and friends to meet their day-to-day living costs, while 10 per cent took out high interest loans.

Nine out of 10 carers say they are worse off financially as a result of their role, 39 per cent fear they will lose their home and 37 per cent said their financial situation is so bad, they do not want to wake up in the morning.

We can’t afford to ignore our army of carers: Page 13