CARERS AND THE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED RULE

Early day motion 1332, tabled 23 April 2007 by Helen Jones (Labour). Signed by 170 members.

That this House acknowledges and appreciates the valuable role performed by the UK's six million carers, in the vast majority of cases without any financial recognition from the state; recognises that many carers also wish to work and often need to do so for financial reasons; and congratulates the Government on extending the right to request flexible working to carers but urges the Government to enable carers to combine flexible and fulfilling employment with their caring role by removing the gainfully employed rule, which prevents carers from earning more than £87 per week if they are claiming carer's allowance.

Signatures by party: Labour 127, Liberal Democrat 24, DUP 5, Conservative 4, Scottish National Party 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent 1, UUP 1.