It has risen almost 40% since 2007, when the value of carers was put at £87bn, a sign of the growing number of people who are taking on caring responsibilities.
"Women are edged out of science because of the way the science career structure works, because of the short-term contracts, because few ever get a permanent position before they take on caring responsibilities (be that kids, or ageing parents).
Jo Swinson, who is eight months' pregnant, said she wanted to change the culture of workplaces to prevent the "conflict" between people's jobs and family life, making it just as normal for fathers to take on caring responsibilities as mothers.
Crucially, for people with gaps in their employment history, perhaps due to illness or taking on caring responsibilities, there will be the option to make additional, voluntary National Insurance contributions, this should help more people qualify for a full state pension.
Findings indicated that youth who took on care-taking roles showed better development of autonomy in early and middle adolescence suggesting that parentification may not negatively affect development of autonomy.
Our book offers evidence that those who take on care work often pay an economic penalty.
They did not have children, but took on care of their niece, Lady Elizabeth Murray (b. 1760), after her mother died.
"Importantly grandparents with less income and less education, or who are from minority groups, are more likely to take on care for their grandchildren".
Friends, for example, may be less likely to take on care responsibilities when they conflict with other roles: working reduces the chance of caring for a friend compared to caring for a family member (Himes and Reidy 2000).
We need more people to take on caring roles to meet the needs of an ageing population.
