Prime Highlights :
- The UK Government has launched a new action plan for unpaid carers.
- The plan includes better NHS support and stronger workplace measures.
Key Facts :
- Nearly one in 10 people in England are unpaid carers.
- Around 1.4 million people provide more than 50 hours of care each week.
Background :
The government of the UK has come up with an improved strategy targeting millions of carers in England. The strategy is meant to ensure that the carers have an easy time balancing their caring duties and work, learning, and other activities, in addition to ensuring the availability of the necessary support.
The strategy has been formulated in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department of Work and Pensions, the Department of Education, and the Department of Business and Trade. It is based on the following three objectives: recognition, enabling, and support.
The Government estimates that nearly one in 10 people in England are unpaid carers. Around 1.4 million people provide more than 50 hours of care each week, supporting family members, friends or neighbours. Ministers said these carers play an important role in the health and social care system but often struggle with limited support and financial, physical and emotional pressures.
As part of the plan, the NHS App will introduce a new “MyCarer” section to help healthcare professionals identify carers and improve access to information and services. Unpaid carers will also have a greater role in care planning under wider NHS reforms.
The Government highlighted recent changes that increased the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit from £151 to £204 per week in April 2025. The increase is expected to allow more than 60,000 additional people to receive the allowance by 2030.
The plan also includes a review of employment rights, stronger flexible working measures and greater support for young carers through school data monitoring. The Government said it will work with employers, schools, health services and charities to improve support for unpaid carers across England.
