THE government is being urged to provide young carers with properly funded time off after research revealed today that over half do not get regular breaks.

Carers Trust surveyed 423 under-18 and young adult (18-25) carers.

It found that nearly one in five rarely or never get a break, while 40 per cent said they got one only some of the time. 

When asked what prevented them from getting a break, almost a quarter said there was no-one else to provide the care they give. 

Two-fifths said they worried too much about the person they care for to take time off from looking after them. 

Almost three-quarters — 72 per cent — said they miss out on school holidays, 49 per cent said they missed out on friendships and 46 per cent on hobbies. 

One in five of those surveyed felt they were missing their education.

According to Carer’s Trust, there are one million young carers in Britain — some as young as five years old.

At least 16,000 of them are caring for 50 hours a week or more, according to census data.

The Carers Trust is calling on the government to ensure all young carers have access to a properly funded break from their caring role. 

CEO Kirsty McHugh said: “It is simply wrong that, as a country, we are asking so many children to take on so much.

“If we want young people to thrive, as well as those for which they care, we need to give these young people the chance to take time out from their caring duties.”

The government was contacted for comment.

Today, on Young Carers Action Day, a group of young carers will take an open bus tour on London, stopping at Westminster where politicians will be invited aboard to hear their concerns.