3,000 carers gave Carers UK a detailed picture of how caring affects their finances. Their research has found that :

1. •72% carers are worse off as a result of caring
   

2. •52% are cutting back on food just to make ends meet
   

3. •54% have given up work to care
   

4. •On average carers retire 8 years early, missing out on years of income and pensions contributions
   

5. •50% are, or have been, in debt as a result of caring
   

6. •74% struggle to pay utility bills such as electricity, gas or telephone
   

7. •32% of those paying a rent or mortgage say they cannot afford to pay it