Carers being ‘penalised’ by loss of allowance

The ‘‘sandwich generation’’, who look after elderly parents and young children, are being penalised by a “cliff edge” carers’ allowance, MPS have said.

Carers who look after a partner, parent or disabled child currently lose their full weekly carer’s allowance of £64.40 if their earnings rise above £120 a week, potentially creating a disincentive to work.

Frank Field, the Commons Work and Pensions Committee chairman, said: “Ensuring work pays and that employers adapt to accommodate caring is not just good for the carers: it is necessary for the whole economy.”