"We Care, do you? Unpaid care and its role in a sustainable future for Europe"

This important policy debate focused on the many issues surrounding carers in different member states, from the early prospect of becoming a carer to the difficulties of juggling caring responsibilies with paid work. The seminar also discussed the status of carers within the EU, and emphasised the issues of unpaid family carers in countries such as Italy.

The event, sponsored by Carers UK in association with Eurocarers, was as Baroness Pitkeathley explained "a timely debate on how we manage care in our societies across Europe" 

Chaired by the President of Eurocarers Baroness Jill Pitkeathley, the debate featured contributions from Marian Harkin MEP, co-chair of the interest group on carers in the European Parliament, Professor Sue Yeandle from the University of Leeds, Phillippe Miet of COFACE (Confederation of Family Organisations in the European Union) and Sally Davis, CEO of BT Wholesale.

Opening the debate, Baroness Pitkeathley explained the demographic challenges faced by all EU member states and the crucial role played by carers with regard to the future sustainabilty of Europe. If carers are expected to continue this role, it is essential to provide appropriate, flexible and reliable health and social care support services. The role of carers often goes unrecognised but as Marian Harkin explained, there is a need to recognise the important contribution that they make. She highlighted that carers were the largest unpaid workforce in the EU, in effect there are 100 million people who care.

Sally Davis also contributed to the lively debate explaining that over 2.5 million unpaid carers are also full-time members of the UK labour market. Sally argued that businesses need to find ways to enable carers to continue work and provide care because without support more and more employees will be forced to leave the labour market.

Professor Sue Yeandle used the seminar as an opportunity to present key findings of new research into the situation of Britain's carers.  The reports explore the 'stages and transitions' in a carer's experience and focus on 'managing carers and employment', 'diversity in caring' and the role of local services. To read the research please click here.

As the event closed it became clear that as Europe faces an increasingly ageing population, its complex care needs must be met. The value of caring must be recognised as it is vital to the economy. Employers, backed by government policy, must support carers as without it Europe risks an unsustainable future.