The report titled ‘Making the case for change: supporting unpaid carers in Northern Ireland’ was published yesterday (7 November) and highlights the value of carers to society, as well as setting out the stark reality of increased rates of poverty and poor health that too many carers are experiencing.

Ms Nicholl said: “This report is a difficult but important read that clearly establishes the value of unpaid carers to our society and economy, but also reveals the daily challenges experienced by those undertaking unpaid care. 

“Alliance stands with Carers NI and all unpaid carers across Northern Ireland, many of whom themselves have health conditions or disabilities, and who sacrifice so much doing some of the most important but critically undervalued work within our economy. 

“This report is particularly timely given the recently announced Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill soon to be brought forward by the Economy Minister. While it was extremely disappointing that the Minister rolled back on previous commitments to support the paid carer's leave, Alliance will not allow him to do so easily.  

“The report argues that introducing a statutory right to paid carer’s leave and flexible working could generate an additional £103-198 million in tax receipts every year, while benefit expenditure could fall by between £40-86 million annually. It is time for the Minister to listen to carers and deliver the changes required to support them. Along with my Alliance colleagues, I will be there to challenge the Minister and hold him to account at every turn to ensure paid carers’ leave is delivered.” 

Ms Mulholland, who spoke at the launch of yesterday’s Carers NI report, added: “We know that the administration of Carer’s Allowance, particularly its cliff edge earnings threshold, is another barrier to employment and contributor to carer poverty in Northern Ireland. The UK Government’s recent decision to raise the Carer’s Allowance earnings threshold was welcomed but we need a wider examination of carer benefits to ensure all carers get the financial support they need.”