Rosemary Butler is urging carers to get advice on how to cope when they are also having to work. Friday December 7th is Carers Rights Day 2007 when the rights of carers will be highlighted run by Carers UK.

Mrs Butler says that carers have the right to request flexible working hours , and this can make all the difference between staying in employment and leaving.

"All the evidence shows that employers benefit from retaining key staff. Most businesses agree to let workers who are carers operate on a flexible working pattern, but many carers still don't know about their rights. There's a whole range of benefits for which carers are eligible, but around £740 million a year goes unclaimed."

Carers who want to know more about their rights are urged to contact Carers UK on CarersLine (0808 8087 777) or www.carersuk.org.

Wednesday, December t