United Kingdom current state of care
Now more than ever, governments, public entities, the private sector and all citizens have roles to play in addressing the family (unpaid) carer problem. Carers should not have to face these hardships and inequities alone. As a society, we can help them, together. See why we need to provide more structured support and help from our key findings and insights directly from carers around the world.
What is your country currently doing to support carers?
Find out all you need to know about the current state of care in the United Kingdom. Our information covers topics like legislation, working arrangement for carers, respite care, what your country is doing to financially support carers, pension credits and the information and training you have access to.
Legislation
Current practises
Unpaid cares are legally defined as people who look after family members, friends, or others because of long-term physical or mental ill health or disability, or care needs related to old age.i
Opportunities to increase support
Increase levels of discussion highlighting the unmet challenges that unpaid carers continue to face in the UK.
Working arrangements
Current practises
Unpaid carers can request flexible working hours, time off and leave for care, but paid leave appears to be subject to negotiation between employers and employees, rather than a guaranteed right.iii
Opportunities to increase support
Expand unpaid carers rights for paid leave.
Respite care
Current practises
Various forms of respite care or breaks may be provided after an assessment of the unpaid carer or the person from whom they care is completed.v
Opportunities to increase support
Provide more government funding for additional respite care.
Financial support
Current practises
The Carers Allowance is the main benefit for unpaid carers in the UK. The unpaid carer must meet specific criteria to qualify and may not be able to receive another financial benefit in addition to the Carers Allowance.ii
Opportunities to increase support
Provide increased education to unpaid carers on their rights for financial support.
Pension credits
Current practises
Unpaid carers who are pension age will receive a State Pension, but they cannot receive the full amount of both the Carer’s Allowance and the State Pension at the same time.iv A system of pension credits to the State Pension can be claimed by unpaid carers of working aged if they fulfill the entitlement criteria.
Opportunities to increase support
Increase financial support for unpaid carers so they may receive both a State Pension and a Carer’s Allowance.
Information and training
Current practises
Carers UK provides training and information to unpaid carers throughout the UK. Local councils provide information and may provide training.
Opportunities to increase support
Increase awareness of training and services available to unpaid carers. This includes information about caring and condition management. Provide support to organizations that already provide training and information to unpaid carers. Increase identification and support from health bodies and the wider system.
References
i Ibid.
ii Carers UK. (2018). Carer’s Allowance. Page 3. https://www.carersuk.org/images/Factsheets/Carers-Allowance-2018-19-FINAL.pdf [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
iii Carers UK. (2016). Your Rights in Work. Page 2-3. http://www.carersuk.org/files/helpandadvice/2613/factsheet-uk1031-your-rights-in-work.pdf [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
iv Carers UK. (2018). Carer’s Allowance. Page 10. https://www.carersuk.org/images/Factsheets/Carers-Allowance-2018-19-FINAL.pdf [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018
v National Health Service. (2018). Carers’ breaks and respite care. Page 1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support/breaks-for-carers- respitecare/ [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
iv Ibid.
GL-NONPR-00335 [September 2022]