The research was released to mark Carers Rights Day last Friday - a national day of action organised by Carers UK to raise awareness of carers' rights and entitlements.
The same report also highlighted that many carers - people looking after relatives, friends and neighbours who are caring for disabled, chronically ill and frail relatives were missing out on benefits, practical support and information.
Key findings in the report show that 65 per cent did not recognise themselves as carers in the first year of caring: for a third (32 per cent) recognition took over five years. As a consequence, one in three (33 per cent) believed they had missed out on benefits and pension entitlements, the majority (58 per cent) for over three years.
"If carers do not get the financial and practical support they need, they suffer from a poor quality of life, cutting back on the essentials they need to get by, and paying a heavy price in terms of their own health and wellbeing. Too many people still do not know what a carer is, yet they save the economy £57 billion each year."
"Everyone has a duty to make sure that carers know about their rights and entitlements, from family and friends, the general public, to employers, local authorities and health bodies. They can play an important role by signposting carers to advice sources, like the Carers UK helpline on 0808 808 7777
