New figures suggest that the number of people in England caring full time for loved ones who are disabled, sick or elderly has doubled in the past year.

Provisional data released by the NHS Information Centre, found that at least 20 per cent of the five million carers in England, support their relative for more than 50 hours a week.

The number of over 16's providing a minimum of 50 hours of care a week, has risen from 10 per cent to 20 per cent. Approximately 50 per cent give care for 20 hours a week and one in three provide care for at least 35 hours a week.

The survey which was based on interviews with 2,400 carers, found that half of those known to provide care are aged 65 or over. They often provide care for their partner or spouse.

Tim Straughan from the centre told Nursing Times: "Social care is a broad and complex area in this country and these figures are important, as they help both social care professionals and the wider community understand the impact that caring has on our society."

With so many carer's taking on the responsibility usually held by those in domiciliary care jobs, Imelda Redmond, the chief executive of Carers UK, said she thinks now is the time for the government to review their policy's on social care.

She told Community Care: "We need an urgent rethink of how our society and communities support those who are shouldering these heavy responsibilities. Unless we act to change the way our country supports disabled and older people and those who care, we risk condemning families to ill-health, poverty and isolation."