This week was Carers Week, and I took part in a speed networking event here Parliament - meeting some wonderfully committed carers and talking to them about their experiences.

They do what they do out of love and compassion, but many are also in desperate need of more economic support and respite.

Six out of ten carers that took part in a recent survey for Carers Week have seen a reduction in their income because of their caring role, with half using savings to pay for essentials such as heating and food.

Part of the problem is it’s very difficult to combine caring with full time work, which is why around 2 in 5 carers end up reducing their working hours.

With nearly half saying they have had to stop working altogether, it's clear that the current situation is not sustainable.

As a way of addressing these issues, I think employers need to be far more flexible when it comes to the needs of carers - and have asked Ministers to look at ways of encouraging this.