We must do more as a society to support unpaid carers in self-employment

Thanks to Ed Davey’s efforts during the election campaign, the often underappreciated role of carers was rightfully given the prominence on the political agenda that it rightfully deserved. We had politicians from all sides recognising the vital contribution to society and promises of additional support that would be immediately available to this cohort. 

Since then, Labour have commissioned an independent review into Carer’s Allowance – a welcome start – but this government must go further.

That is why, today, we are launching brand new research which calls on the government and local councils to review the current support structures for those that run a business whilst caring for a friend or family member.

Each experience of caring is truly unique, but during our interviews with over 50 self-employed carers, there were common themes that continually cropped up in our conversations.

Firstly, it should be said that almost all recognised the value of being in self-employment. The flexibility and freedom to choose when and where to work were regularly cited as significant advantages of working in this way. 

The unpredictability of being a carer ultimately went hand-in-hand with working for yourself. Many even thought that career advisors should be doing more to push self-employment to those that would particularly benefit from it.

There was, however, a shared view that some challenges were unique to those that run their own self-employed business. For instance, some cited the difficulty of dealing with clients, who perhaps don’t understand the complexity and unpredictability of the caring responsibility.

Letting these clients aware of this responsibility can be particularly difficult, with some fearing discrimination and potentially missing out on the work altogether as a result.

We also heard how some had difficulty in managing their business admin alongside their caring duties. Some have even missed deadlines or made mistakes in their financial reporting as a result.

Many wanted to see additional business support that’s exclusively available for those balancing caring or other responsibilities.

Above all else, the major source of frustration from carers was the inability to receive any financial support or even some respite care. Shockingly, just 8% of all self-employed unpaid carers are in receipt of Carers Allowance. 

A low earnings threshold, complex qualification criteria, and an unclear application process mean that the vast majority simply cannot access this benefit.

Caring is very much suited to self-employment, with the freedom and flexibility it provides for. Some of our support structures in place to help these carers, however, are not so suited. We must do more as a society to support the half a million unpaid carers in self-employment.

Firstly, we’re calling on government to introduce a respite care allowance for those with self-employed commitments and for those unable to work through their own business.

We’re also calling on local councils to utilise community workhubs, co-working venues or online services to provide networking days for unpaid self-employed carers, where they can benefit from free financial advice and the support of other carers.

Similarly, we want to see government change the eligibility requirements for Carers Allowance, so that those caring for 20-35 hours can access this benefit.