Carers in fear of service cuts

Nearly 80 per cent of unpaid carers in Scotland are worried about cuts to services, according to new research.

A total of 46 per cent also said they wonder how they will cope if the axe falls on some of the vital support they rely on.

Almost three quarters, 71 per cent, of those surveyed for Carers' Week, which starts today, also say they are worse off financially since they started looking after someone who is ill, frail or disabled.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers said these people save the Scottish economy 10.3 billion each year by relieving pressure on health and social services and serving their communities.