A new cross-government strategy published this week will give millions of unpaid carers in England earlier access to financial, health and employment support. Ministers say the plan aims to address gaps in the social care system, where unregistered carers often miss out on benefits and struggle to remain in employment.
One in 10 provides unpaid care
Approximately one in 10 people in England currently provides unpaid care for relatives or neighbours, often alongside full-time work or education. Under the proposals, carers will be able to register their status on the NHS App, allowing medical professionals to identify them and coordinate treatment plans. A unified patient record system will also prevent individuals from having to repeatedly explain their circumstances to different healthcare providers.
A centralised GOV.UK portal is expected to launch later this summer to consolidate advice on benefits, employment rights and social care. This will be accompanied by a new carers' charter outlining legal rights.
42-step action plan
The 42-step action plan covers health, education, employment and welfare. Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said: "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."
Employment and education measures
From spring 2027, businesses with more than 250 employees will be expected to offer enhanced support to help carers stay in work. Schools will also be required to identify young carers sooner to monitor their attendance and prevent them from falling behind academically.
The Department for Work and Pensions pointed to a recent rise of more than £2,750 in the Carer's Allowance earnings threshold as the largest increase since the 1970s. An estimated 1.1 million carers also receive an additional £2,500 annually through Universal Credit and Pension Credit supplements.
Meanwhile, the Department for Business and Trade is consulting on plans to introduce paid carers' leave and a right to return to work after periods of intensive care.
Reaction from charities
Carers Trust chief executive Kirsty McHugh welcomed the strategic goals. "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."
Emily Holzhausen, from Carers UK, said the blueprint acknowledged that carers frequently face "fragmented services, barriers to support and a lack of recognition".
Caroline Abrahams CBE, from Age UK, said: "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."
Independent commission on adult social care
The announcement comes as an independent commission on adult social care, led by Baroness Casey, prepares to release its initial recommendations later this year.
