The report finds that grandparents are increasingly single (from eight per cent 10 years ago to 15 per cent today) and on low incomes (from 18 per cent in 1998 to 26 per cent today). A third of grandparents under the age of 55 say they find it very difficult to cope financially.
Sam Smethers, chief executive of Grandparents Plus, said: "This report challenges the cosy image we have of the retired grandparent with time to spare. For many, particularly the ‘Gran-carers' who are of working age, on low incomes and who provide most of the childcare, it's a real struggle."
She added: "Although overall the grandparent generation is getting older, it is younger, working-class grandparents who are more likely to suffer financial hardship. We want this reality to be recognised by paying grandparents through the tax credit system for the childcare they provide.
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