Millions of unpaid carers to get recognition and earlier support

Millions of unpaid carers across England are set to receive earlier recognition and improved access to support under a new cross-government action plan designed to transform how carers are identified, supported and enabled to balance caring with work, education and their own wellbeing.

The Unpaid Carers Action Plan: Recognise, Refer, Reach, published today, outlines 42 measures spanning health, social care, education, employment and welfare. The strategy forms part of the Government’s wider ambition to build a National Care Service and aims to ensure carers no longer fall through gaps between public services. Nearly one in ten people in England provides unpaid care for a family member, friend or loved one, yet many struggle to maintain employment, continue their education or look after their own physical and mental health while caring for others.

The new plan focuses on three priorities: recognising unpaid carers earlier, referring them to appropriate services and helping them fulfil their potential beyond their caring responsibilities. Among the reforms, unpaid carers will be able to register their caring role through the NHS App, making it easier for healthcare professionals to identify them, involve them in care planning and direct them towards financial, employment and health support.

The forthcoming Single Patient Record will also reduce the administrative burden on carers by allowing health and care professionals to access the same patient information, removing the need for carers to repeatedly explain the circumstances of those they support. A dedicated unpaid carers hub on GOV.UK will launch this summer, bringing together guidance on benefits, health services, employment rights and social care in one place for the first time. The Government also plans to publish a new Carers’ Charter setting out carers’ rights and entitlements.

Employment is another key focus. From spring 2027, employers with more than 250 staff will be expected to strengthen workplace support for unpaid carers, while schools will receive improved data and information-sharing tools to identify young carers earlier and help them remain engaged in education. Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said the reforms recognise the vital contribution unpaid carers make to society. “Unpaid carers make an extraordinary contribution in our communities, caring for loved ones, often putting the needs of others before their own, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for all they do. “But too many still go unseen, struggle to find support, or feel caring has held back their own health, education, work or retirement. “Our action plan is addressing some of these challenges and is focused on helping carers reach their potential in education or work. To all unpaid and young carers across the country – this Government values your contribution and is committed to building a system that recognises and supports you.”

The strategy has been broadly welcomed by charities, which say it signals a more joined-up approach across government departments. Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive of Carers Trust, said the plan represented an important opportunity to improve carers’ lives. “This action plan has the right aims – to make it easier for carers to be identified, get support, and ensure carers are properly considered across health, education and employment.” However, she warned that delivery would be crucial. “The plan is a positive step as we await the Casey Commission on social care reform, and it must lead to tangible change for carers. That means ensuring help is available when they need it, sustained investment in the services that support them, and a long-term strategic approach that tackles the pressures carers face every day.”

Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, said unpaid carers had too often experienced fragmented support. “This is a positive step forwards for unpaid carers, recognising that all too often, they face fragmented services, barriers to support and a lack of recognition for the essential role they play looking after family and friends.” She added that bringing together multiple government departments reflected the reality that caring affects every aspect of life. Healthcare organisations also welcomed reforms designed to involve carers more closely in hospital discharge planning.

Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director at Age UK, said the changes would be particularly significant for older carers. “We welcome the Unpaid Carers Action Plan as a significant step forward in the long march towards ensuring the many millions of people who care are treated fairly, and that they are offered the support they need.”

Mental health charity Rethink Mental Illness described carers as the “invisible mental health service”, while dementia charity The Lewy Body Society said carers often needed help at precisely the point they had the least time and energy to seek it.

The action plan builds on recent Government measures, including increasing the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit by more than £2,750 over two years – the largest rise since the 1970s -and providing additional support through Universal Credit and Pension Credit. The Department for Business and Trade is also consulting on proposals for paid carers’ leave and stronger employment protections. The publication comes as Baroness Casey’s Independent Commission into Adult Social Care continues its work on long-term reforms, with unpaid carers expected to play a central role in recommendations for the future National Care Service.

While charities say the new strategy marks meaningful progress, many stress that its success will ultimately depend on sustained investment and whether the commitments outlined translate into practical improvements for the millions of people whose unpaid care underpins the health and social care system every day.