Alzheimer’s Society calls on the Chancellor to consider the rights of dementia carers in work

The Chancellor, George Osborne, has announced that working grandparents are to be given a new legal right to take time off to help care for their grandchildren in an extension of the system of flexible parental leave

The move is designed to encourage more people to stay in the workplace for longer, boosting the economy, rather than having to decide to give up their jobs if they want to support their families in the first year of a grandchild's life.

It will also allow more working parents to return to work more quickly, should they wish to, since they will have the option of sharing part of their parental leave entitlement with one of their parents.

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said:

“The Government has recognised the need to improve parents' access to childcare to help people stay in work and maintain economic recovery. However, attention should also be given to supporting those in work caring for a spouse or parent with dementia.

“In the UK alone, there are 670,000 carers for people with dementia. An aging population and further cuts to social care are combining to create a perfect storm which could lead to tens of thousands of working people forced to give up their jobs to look after elderly relatives in future.”

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Notes to editors:

225,000 will develop dementia this year, that's one every three minutes

Alzheimer's Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to two million people by 2051

Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 Billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia.

Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them

Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk

Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk

Press Office 08450 744 395 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk