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 response to the ADASS annual survey
This latest report reveals that most Directors of social services have seen an increase in unpaid carers approaching them for…
Government to set out timetable for Carer’s Leave review and commits to hold public consultation
Last night, as the Employment Rights Bill was debated at Report Stage in the House of Lords, Peers discussed an…
Carers UK reaction to third reading of the Universal Credit Bill
MPs debated the Universal Credit Bill in the house of Commons on 9th July 2025. The Bill in its existing…
The GP Patient Survey 2025: A widening health gap for unpaid carers
This year’s GP Patient Survey reflects a worrying trend for unpaid carers’ health. 72% of carers said that they have…
Got a question about caring?
Every day we hear from people who need help with looking after a friend or family member
Become a member for free
Joining Carers UK is free and takes just a few minutes.