Adequate and fair wage urged for carers

THE Government should pay carers a fair and adequate wage for the hours they spend looking after sick relatives, it was claimed yesterday.

With an estimated 150,000 people nursing loved ones who are ill, disabled or frail the Carers Association said paying them a salary would formally recognise their role.

Frank Goodwin, chairman of the body, welcomed the efforts already made but said a minimum wage would be more appropriate than forcing people to apply for benefits. “What is missing and what we hope to begin to address with Government is the lack of a coherent strategy to deal with the issues of family carers.”