Parliamentary juggler takes Usdaw message to MPs

Juggling work, life and caring responsibilities is a constant struggle for the UK's small army of carers that's why shopworkers' union Usdaw took its Supporting Parents & Carers campaign to the House of Commons today.

A professional juggler managed to keep Usdaw's work, life and caring juggling balls in the air outside the House this morning while watched by Usdaw general secretary John Hannett, a team of Usdaw members who juggle work with their caring responsibilities, and more than 60 Labour MPs who turned out to give their backing.

Usdaw wants a better deal for carers and is lobbying the government to allow carers the right to; request flexible working; paid time off for family illness and; better access to carers’ allowance.

“We believe it makes good business sense to give carers more choice at work to help them balance the competing demands on their time. Employers will be rewarded by lower staff turnover, higher staff morale, lower absenteeism, and the reputation for being a responsible and caring company.

“In terms of carers’ allowance, currently, £45.70 a week, this is too low. We also want the Government to raise the amount someone can earn and still qualify for carers’ allowance. Currently if you earn more than £82 a week you can’t claim.”

Notes to Editors:

- In the UK, one in eight people are carers, most of them looking after elderly relatives.

- The majority of carers are women.

- People aged between 45–64 are more likely to be carers.

- Photographs are available on request from arena@usdaw.org.uk. or phone 0161 249 2444.

- For more information on the Supporting Parents & Carers campaign visit the campaigns section on the web site.

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