People in Ireland are living longer lives in better health due to advances in healthcare, and lifestyle changes. This changing demographic brings huge opportunities but also challenges due to the inevitable increase in the number of individuals who will require some form of care, be that family, public or private care.
The CSO’s Irish Health Survey (2019) estimates over 1 in 8 persons (aged 15 and over) provide care. Census 2022 suggests that in today’s labour market, 57% of unpaid carers are also in employment. These numbers are only set to grow and as such combining caring responsibilities and employment has become a business and societal issue.
There is a role for employers and government to address the challenges facing individuals in need of care, those providing ancillary care and those juggling work and care. Waiting lists for homecare and other social services show that there already exists a significant gap between the demand and supply of adequate services. Without greater State investment to support the needs of the growing number of those needing care, and to offset some of the care provided by working carers, there are likely considerable repercussions for the labour market. Organisations must also take real action to future proof their workplaces and recognise the supports required to ensure working carers remain connected to the labour market. Failure of business and Government to deliver will result in a risk to public health, society, and business.
Please join us from 12.30 to 2pm on Tuesday 5th March for the launch of Ibec’s The Care Agenda report by Minister Roderic O’Gorman, DCEDIY followed by a panel discussion with Karen Kiernan, One Family; Margaret Gribben, Irish Life, Catherine Cox, Family Carers Ireland and Kara McGann, Ibec.