Commenting on research launched today by the NHS Information Centre, Carers UK Chief Executive Imelda Redmond CBE said:

 "As our population ages, people live longer with illness and disability, and our social services struggle to cope, it is clear that families are stepping in to provide full-time care.

The fact that the number of people caring for 50 hours a week has doubled is yet more evidence of how a rapid demographic shift is reshaping our society and British family life. More and more families are providing high levels of care to ill, older and disabled loved-ones and we know that this can take a massive toll on carers' health, finances and ability to live their own lives.

The fact that twice as many carers are facing such heavy caring roles sends a very strong message to local councils and national Government. We need an urgent rethink of how our society and communities support those who are shouldering these heavy responsibilities. Unless we act to change the way our country supports disabled and older people and those who care, we risk condemning families to ill-health, poverty and isolation."

NHS Information Centre news story available at www.ic.nhs.uk/news-and-events/press-office/press-releases/percentage-of-carers-providing-50-hours-or-more-care-a-week-has-more-than-doubled-in-9-years-provisional-figures-show