More than 100 MPs back Usdaw campaign to scrap earning limits for carers

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary and David Borrow MP

Retail union Usdaw has won the backing of more than 100 MPs for their campaign to scrap the earning limit that prevents thousands of shopworkers who care for severely disabled dependents from claiming Carers’ Allowance.

MPs from across the political spectrum have signed an Early Day Motion, tabled by Helen Jones MP, supporting the removal of the present earnings limit of £84 per week which means thousands of carers who work in retail and earn more than this can’t qualify for carers’ allowance of £46.95.

“I’m delighted that so many influential MPs have signed this motion because they recognise that the present limit is unfair to retail staff who care for others,” said Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett. “Retail provides the sort of flexible workplace where carers can fit in working extra hours around their full-time care commitments and we believe this very low earnings limit means they are faced with an impossible choice of either working less hours than they need to or face losing their carers’ allowance.

“For carers work can be a much-needed break from their demanding carers role and it helps them earn enough money to escape the poverty trap many carers and their families find themselves in. Removing this earnings limit will help give carers who work in retail independence and status as well boosting feelings of self-esteem and confidence.

“We held a very successful parliamentary launch of our national campaign at Westminster last week where MPs heard moving personal testimony from two of Usdaw’s army of carers struggling to combine paid work and their caring commitments. I believe MPs have signed up in such big numbers because they recognise the difficulties for carers who need to work and claim the small level of benefits available to support their dependents.

“The reality is that Britain’s carers save taxpayers £57 billion a year. All that our members want is to have the dignity and self-esteem that work can bring. So the support of MPs from all sides of the house is welcome as we try to remove the £84 limit that discriminates against hard working retail staff from receiving the recognition they deserve and could harm the growth of the retail sector that needs more and more staff who can work flexibly.”

Notes to Editors:

• To check if your MP has signed EDM 2282 go to http://edmi.parliament.uk/edmi/
• Contacts for newsdesks: Usdaw’s Media Officer, Paul Clarke, can be contacted on 0161 249 2469 or e-mail paul.clarke@usdaw.org.uk.
• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK’s fifth biggest trade union, with over 340,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.
• Journalists can subscribe to receive Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service.

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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