Who are unpaid carers, and why have some had to repay large sums to UK government?

There are an estimated 5.7 million carers in the UK with the majority of unpaid carers women. Photograph: SolStock/Getty Images

Who are unpaid carers?

Unpaid carers provide support for loved ones – normally parents or children, who are disabled, frail or ill. There are an estimated 5.7 million carers in the UK. The majority of unpaid carers are women. The 46 to 65 age group is the biggest unpaid carer cohort. Four in 10 unpaid carers are in poverty. According to Carers UK, unpaid carers save the UK £162bn a year.