Government publishes first cross-government action plan to improve support for unpaid carers

The UK Government has published its first cross-government action plan for unpaid carers, setting out measures designed to improve how carers are identified, recognised and connected with support across health, education, employment and local services. The plan forms part of the government’s wider ambition to strengthen support for unpaid carers and contribute to the development of a future National Care Service.

The action plan, titled Recognise, Refer, Reach, has been developed jointly by the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Education and the Department for Business and Trade.

It is structured around three priorities:

• Recognise – improving identification of unpaid carers in settings including GP practices, hospitals, schools and workplaces.
• Refer – helping carers access health services, local support organisations, financial assistance and other available services more quickly.
• Reach – supporting unpaid carers to remain in employment or education through greater awareness of carers’ rights, flexible working arrangements and existing support.

The government estimates that almost one in ten people in England is an unpaid carer, providing care for family members, friends or neighbours with illness, disability, mental health needs or age-related conditions. Many balance caring responsibilities alongside employment or education and may experience financial, physical and emotional pressures.

Alongside the new action plan, the government says work is continuing through its 10-Year Health Plan to make unpaid carers more visible within the NHS, including plans for a dedicated ‘MyCarer’ section within the NHS App to support communication and care planning.

The publication follows a series of recent government initiatives affecting unpaid carers, including a consultation on potential employment rights and a separate call for evidence examining the future of Carer’s Allowance.

While today’s announcement does not introduce new legislation or additional funding, it establishes a coordinated approach across government departments aimed at ensuring unpaid carers are recognised earlier and can access appropriate support more consistently.

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