Age UK comment on grandparents

Commenting on research revealing that grandparents save parents more than £33 billion a year through providing childcare, Andrew Harrop, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Age UK, said:

'As increasing numbers of grandparents provide care for grandchildren, it's important that we recognise and celebrate the valuable contribution they make to society.

'We know that grandparents often enjoy having an active role in the upbringing of their grandchildren, however this must not be taken for granted. The high cost of childcare in many areas can mean that for many families, support provided by grandparents is a financial necessity, without which they would not be able to continue working.

'In these tough economic times, many families will need grandparents to help out more than ever, but both sides must make sure that they are happy with any arrangements to avoid possible disagreements or tension.'

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Ref: FC/AH

Notes to editors

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we").  Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

Media contact: Lizzie Webster
Tel: 020 8765 7516
Out of hours: 07071 243 243