Almost two thirds of working age carers are also in some sort of paid employment.

A third of those work full-time and provide care for more than 20 hours per week. Combining work and caring can be difficult.

The carer on occasion may have to take time off work to look after the person in need when an emergency occurs.

The Government has acknowledged the importance of the carer being able to do this and at the same time have carer's rights to employment protected.