Political Editor - Salter demands more Government support for Carers

Martin Salter, Labour MP for Reading West, recently joined Usdaw, the trade union at the forefront of campaigning for working parents and carers, to welcome the government’s new Carers Review in Westminster. The review includes £150m funding for more respite care and short breaks for carers, as well as the commitment that carers will be supported so that they are not forced into financial hardship by their caring role.

Martin Salter spoke with working carers about their difficulties juggling work and care and the financial hardships that they face at the meeting in the House of Commons.

Speaking after the meeting the Reading West MP said:

“I was delighted to meet some of the many hardworking carers who do such a vital job and show tremendous dedication to their families and loved-ones. I believe that it is vital that the Carers Strategy reflects the enormous personal contribution of these individuals to our society. In particular I will be lobbying my ministerial colleagues to;

• Introduce paid leave for parents of children up to 18 and for carers,
• Strengthen the right to request flexible working, and extending it to parents of children up to 18.
• Improve Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance, Statutory Adoption Pay and Statutory Paternity Pay.
• Commit sufficient resources to the current review of the National Carers’ Strategy to deliver significant gains for carers.
• Extend the reach of Carer’s Allowance to more low paid working carers.”

Mr Salter added:

“To this end I have written to Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell and Chancellor Alastair Darling as well as signing an Early Day Motion in support of raising the Carers Allowance.”

John Hannet, General Secretary of Usdaw and a member of the Government’s Standing Commission for Carers welcomed the Reading West MP’s support,

“I am delighted to have Martin’s support. The Carers Strategy is an excellent first step towards the goal of recognising, valuing and fully supporting carers.”

“Martin Salter’s proposal to increase Carer’s Allowance and to extend it to thousands more low-paid carers would go a long way towards giving carers the additional assistance that they need. We will work together to press for this proposal to be given priority in the next Comprehensive Spending Review.”