EFFECT OF NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE ON CARERS

That this House notes with extreme concern that whilst most workers rejoiced at the increase in the minimum wage to £5.35 per hour from 1st October, many carers in employment found that they lost the whole entitlement to £46 per week carer's allowance because the additional 20 pence per hour in their wage packets took them over the £84 earnings disregard limit; further notes with concern that carers with children are restricted to working at least 16 hours per week in order to qualify for working families tax credit and that this basic amount will automatically bring the working carer to a weekly wage of £85.60, £1.60 over the earnings threshold of £84; and calls upon the Government to review this situation urgently to ensure justice for carers.