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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Patrick Butler and Josh Halliday

Key workers quit jobs to avoid cash penalties for breaching carer’s allowance

Images of carers
Carers who unwittingly breach the £151 a week earnings limits say the disproportionate penalties levied on them for doing so have landed them with huge debts. Composite: Guardian Design/Getty Images

Teachers, NHS staff and other key workers who balance part-time work with caring for loved ones are quitting their jobs to avoid being hit with huge cash penalties for breaching carer’s allowance rules, according to a study.

Research into the human impact of the penalties found sanctions running into thousands of pounds, triggered by opaque rules, and poor administration by benefits officials playing havoc with carers’ working lives, health and finances.

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