Summary - Competition between informal care and paid work
The Dutch government would like citizens to provide more care to loved ones who need it – perhaps caring for an elderly parent or looking after a partner with a long-term illness. At the same time, the government wishes to raise the labour participation rate. But is it always possible to combine a paid job with providing informal care? Or do the two tasks compete with each other?
Oringinal title: Concurrentie tussen mantelzorg en betaald werk
This report provides a greater insight into the relationship between paid work and informal care. It shows whether the percentage of workers caring for loved ones has increased in recent years, in line with government aims. It also shows whether people who begin providing informal care reduce their working hours, and what the consequences are for their health and for sickness absenteeism.
The data are drawn from a panel survey by SCP, in which 3 – 4,000 workers and non-workers are followed over time. Edith Josten works in the Labour and Public Services research sector at SCP. Her research interests lie in the field of employment.
Alice de Boer works in the Care, Emancipation and Time Use research sector at SCP. Her research focuses on informal help and use of care.