A new online petition with over 3,500 signatures is calling on the UK Government to increase Carer's Allowance to match the National Minimum Wage of £11.44 per hour. Currently, the allowance is £81.90 per week for individuals who dedicate 35 hours to unpaid care. The petition argues that the current rate is significantly lower than the value of the care provided and that carers deserve to be paid a living wage.
A new online campaign gathering over 3,500 signatures is urging the UK Government to bump up Carer's Allowance to be on par with the National Minimum Wage of £11.44 an hour, equating to a weekly sum of £400.40 or £1,601.60 every four weeks.
In line with the Autumn Budget declarations by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in October, the earnings threshold for unpaid carers will increase from £151 to £196 starting April 7 – mirroring 16 hours worked at the National Minimum Wage. This hike in the earnings limit would permit Carer's Allowance recipients to earn upwards of £10,000 during the 2025/26 fiscal year. The 'Increase Carer's Allowance to equal minimum wage' plea is available for signatures on the petitions-parliament website.
The petition emphasises: "Carer's Allowance is currently £327.60 every four weeks for people who care for someone for at least 35 hours per week. Around £2.34 per hour."
Politics Carer's Allowance National Minimum Wage Petition UK Government Unpaid Care
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