THE ‘TREMENDOUS work’ of unpaid carers across Leeds is set to be officially recognised.

Leeds City Council will hear a White Paper resolution at its virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 15 that praises the efforts of carers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Proposed by the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Jonathan Bentley, the resolution also calls for more support for those who ‘have done so much to look after and protect vulnerable members of the community’.

It calls on the Government to: introduce free travel on public transport for young carers; protect carers against discrimination at work; and increase the Carers Allowance and raise its threshold. It also asks the Government to support a Private Members Bill which is calling for employers to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for workers so they can balance caring with work.

Otley and Yeadon’s Lib Dem ward Councillors, Sandy Lay, Colin Campbell and Ryk Downes, are supporting the move. Cllr Lay said: “Carers provide the majority of in-community support for the old and vulnerable yet their hours of unpaid work is often forgotten. As an NHS nurse I see what a vital role they play.”