Arrangements for workers with care responsibilities for sick or dependent relatives – the situation in the EU (info sheet)

About 80% of time spent caring for people with a disability or for older dependent persons is provided by informal carers from among family, friends or neighbours. The increasing employment rate in Europe, specifically among women, is leading to a situation in nearly all countries where more than half of carers of working age combine their care responsibilities with employment. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of carers are also excluded from employment as a result of their care responsibilities – with impacts on pensions as well as current incomes.