Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing key worker status to unpaid carers.

We recognise the vital role unpaid carers play, especially during this difficult period. The role of unpaid carers has been considered in the development of policies over the COVID-19 period. They have been prioritised for a range of support and exempted from household mixing rules when providing care.

We will continue to work closely with stakeholders, care organisations and the wider sector and will keep support for unpaid carers under review.