A pledge to give carers more recognition and status has come from Thanet South MP Dr Stephen Ladyman.

Speaking at an event in Parliament, organised by USDAW to highlight the need for support for working carers, he said: “We want to put carers at the centre of family policy, and give them the recognition and status they deserve.

“With an ageing population the demand for care will go up, so there will be more carers – people having to balance work, childcare and caring for a parent, more older people caring for their partner whilst also looking after their grandchildren, more parents caring for disabled children and more children caring for their disabled parents.”

Dr Ladyman said he supported the new Carers Strategy which includes more information and advice services for carers along with skills and training opportunities.

There will also be a trial of annual health checks for carers, more support for the growing number of young carers and an expansion of Government-funded short breaks for carers of adults.

He added: “It’s important that we thank carers for their love and commitment. But these new measures will help to make a real difference to carers’ lives.

“We also now need to think how we can do more to support working carers who mix a full working life with their caring role.

“We need to ensure working carers have a right to flexible hours and that employers and the tax credits system recognises the positive role that carers play in our society.”