Caregivers Connected Gateshead, in partnership with six other leading caregiver support organisations across the North East, has launched a groundbreaking new report — North East Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Carers Service Integration Research Report.
The report, funded by the North East Combined Authority, shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by unpaid caregivers who want to work, and sets out a bold new model for supporting them into and within employment.
Across the North East Combined Authority area, there are 189,750 unpaid caregivers, with 135,530 of working age. Over half (53%) are not in paid employment, and more than a third provide over 50 hours of care each week.
The report highlights that caring responsibilities are the single biggest barrier preventing caregivers from entering or sustaining employment. Many caregivers describe their role as equivalent to a full-time job, leaving little time or energy to pursue paid work.
Despite these challenges, unpaid caregivers contribute an estimated £162 billion per year to the UK economy through the care they provide.
Key Findings
The research, which engaged over 450 caregivers, 78 caregiver support staff, and 25 employers, identified three major themes for improving employment outcomes for caregivers:
Employer Practices
Employers must adopt more flexible and inclusive working arrangements that recognise the realities of caring. This includes flexible hours, clear caregiver policies, and better awareness among managers.
System Integration and Support
Employment support for caregivers should be better coordinated across systems — linking employability programmes, adult social care, and specialist caregiver services to create a seamless support network.
Tailored Employment Support
Caregivers need personalised, realistic pathways into work. Generic employment programmes often fail to meet their needs due to the complexity of caring roles.
A New Model for the North East
The report proposes a regional model to help carers move into, remain in, or return to work. Key features include:
- Dedicated Caregivers and Employment Advisers embedded within local carer support services.
- A digital employer portal and Carer-Friendly Employer Award to promote best practice.
- A central referral and coordination system to streamline access to support.
- Enhanced employer engagement and training to build caregiver-friendly workplaces.
- A regional strategic leadership role to drive system change and ensure sustainability.
Caregivers’ Voices at the Heart of the Research
Caregivers who took part in the study spoke candidly about the emotional and financial strain of balancing work and care. Many said that while they want to work, inflexible employment systems and limited understanding from employers make it nearly impossible.
One caregiver shared: ‘It’s hard as I work full-time. My wife has had to reduce hours to work part-time to support my son and provide more care. It is really tiring, emotionally and physically, working a full-time job and then coming home and looking after my son‘
The report concludes that specialist caregiver support organisations — like Caregivers Connected Gateshead — are best placed to deliver effective employment support for caregivers. Our trusted relationships, holistic approaches, and strong local partnerships make us uniquely equipped to help caregivers achieve sustainable employment.
By integrating employability support within existing carer services, the North East can lead the way nationally in supporting carers to balance work and care — benefiting carers, employers, and the regional economy alike.
To read the full report or learn more about how Caregivers Connected Gateshead supports unpaid caregivers, read the document below.