Across the UK, 5.7 million people are carers, supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill.
Yet carers are experiencing even greater challenges. Since the coronavirus pandemic, we estimate that 4.5 million more people have taken on caring responsibilities.
We share our insights on caring with local authorities, employers and other organisations, making the most of technology to help solve the problems that carers face.
Better services for carers
Carers rely on good quality services to help manage care alongside everything else.
We work with service providers to help them provide the support carers urgently need.
Better employers for carers
Staying in work is a major challenge for the 3 million working carers – every day, 600 people on average are leaving their jobs to provide unpaid care.
With over 215 members covering 3.5million employees, our Employers for Carers membership forum helps employers improve their understanding of carers and retain the carers in their workforce.
Better technology for carers
By listening to what carers need, we’re using our expertise to develop useful products that can help improve carers’ lives.
Our mobile and online app, Jointly, has been designed to make life a little easier for people who share care. And our MyBackUp tool helps carers develop a contingency plan for greater peace of mind.
Latest updates
Carers UK respond to Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, reforms to the DWP
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “There are 4.3 million working age unpaid carers in the UK and…
Kings Speech - Carers UK welcomes Employment Rights Bill provisions but calls for unpaid carers to be greater priority for Government
Responding to today’s speech by King Charles III, Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK,…
Rise in people discharged early from hospital puts millions of unpaid carers under more pressure
A survey by the Adult Directors of Social Services, ADASS, reveals a rise in the numbers of people being discharged…
Carers UK responds to the appointment of Sir Stephen Timms MP as the DWP Minister for Social Security and Disabilities
“We are delighted that Sir Stephen Timms MP has been appointed as the DWP Minister for Social Security and Disabilities.…
Got a question about caring?
Every day we hear from people who need help with looking after a friend or family member
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