Care responsibilities of Britons hinder economy

New research has shown that the UK economy is being seriously hindered by the number of people forced to leave the workforce to care for a loved one.

Age UK claim that £5.3 billion is lost in earnings as would-be workers exit the labour market to look after older or disabled people.

It is estimated that this equates to a deficit of almost £1 billion in forgone taxes for the exchequer.

Following the research, Age UK is calling for reform of Britain's care system, which currently receives funding of £14.6 billion each year.

Without change, people will continue to be unable to reconcile work with care commitments.

Michelle Mitchell, charity director general of Age UK, commented: "Carers should never be forced to sacrifice their own financial security and wellbeing due to the lack of service provision and support from public services."

It is hoped that current government investigations into the social care system will yield improvement and ensure Britons have access to the care they need.

Find the nearest Barchester care home.