A survey has revealed that unpaid carers are being forced to cut back on essentials such as food and heating.

The Carers UK State of Caring Survey 2024, funded by the abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, found that 61 per cent of unpaid carers are worried about living costs and managing in the future.

More than a third (35 per cent) said they do not feel confident about keeping up with costs over the next 12 months.

Read more: McDonald's drive thru plan for M5 Strensham services

Over a quarter of carers (27 per cent) are struggling to make ends meet, and 28 per cent are cutting back on essentials like food and heating.

For those in receipt of social security benefits, financial hardship is even more stark, with 42 per cent of carers receiving Carer’s Allowance struggling to make ends meet.

Helen Walker, chief executive at Carers UK, said: "Despite the fact that carers are saving the economy an astonishing £162 billion a year in England and Wales alone, many carers are living in poverty.

"Increasing costs in recent years have had a concerning impact and we are now seeing carers take increasingly drastic measures in order to cope with difficult financial situations.

"It is unacceptable that so many carers are still struggling with their finances whilst providing so much for society."

The survey also found that the earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance is preventing many carers in paid employment from increasing their income.

62 per cent of those claiming Carer’s Allowance said they had been unable to work more hours or take on higher-paid work.

Vivienne Jackson, research manager at the trust, said: "The vital role that carers play in society needs to be recognised and rewarded fairly.

"It’s not right that people who care for others are facing poverty and hardship.

"Government and employers need to work together to ensure caring does not put people at risk of poverty."

This month, the Secretary of State of Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, announced that the Government will commission an independent review of overpayments to assess how these have been accrued on such a vast scale.