CARERS FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER AND CLIC SARGENT

Early day motion 2117, tabled 15 October 2007 by Ian Gibson (Labour). Signed by 70 members.

That this House welcomes the announcement of the new Standing Commission on Carers; notes with concern that parents caring for a child with cancer often struggle to balance a commitment to their employer with caring for their sick child, with 49 per cent. of parents using their sick leave or holiday allowance to care for their child with cancer, and some having to give up work altogether; further notes that families experience financial stress after their child is diagnosed with cancer, with 43 per cent. of families suffering a higher level of debt; agrees with CLIC Sargent, the UK's leading children's cancer charity, that parents have a right to care; and calls on the Government to support a full package of rights including paid leave and career breaks to support parents as part of the new carers strategy.

Signatures by party: Labour 45, Liberal Democrat 17, Conservative 3, DUP 3, Independent 2.