News: Unpaid carers now on list of essential workers and those prioritised for Covid-19 testing in England if showing symptoms.

The government has now included unpaid carers in its list of essential workers and those prioritised for Covid-19 testing in England if you are showing symptoms.

Carers UK have stated – “unpaid carers are listed in this under NHS and social care staff: This isn’t where you’d necessarily expect unpaid carers to be listed, but we can confirm that it does refer to unpaid carers”

What is an unpaid carer? A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. Even if you receive carers allowance you are still an unpaid carer.

People have been using the “volunteer” option when asking for tests as there’s currently no unpaid carer option.

You can find out more here

Posted on: 6th May 2020