Carers UK has released its State of Caring 2025: Cost of Caring report, highlighting the many challenges faced by unpaid carers across the UK. The survey brings together the experiences of over 10,500 carers and paints a stark picture of the realities of caring today from financial pressures and health impacts to juggling work and unpaid care.
Over half of carers report that the number of hours they spend caring each week has risen in the last year. The consequences of these longer hours are clear: carers are more likely to experience poor mental and physical health, including 42% saying their physical health has worsened and 20% reporting an injury due to caring. Stress and anxiety are widespread, with 74% saying they feel stressed or anxious, and some experiencing panic attacks or sleep difficulties.
The financial strain of caring
Nearly half of unpaid carers (49%) say they have had to cut back on essentials such as food, heating, clothing, or transport. Around a third (32%) have relied on loans, credit cards, or overdrafts to make ends meet. Many carers worry about the future, including their financial security once their caring role ends.
Impact on work
Among working carers, 61% say caring has affected the type of employment they have taken on. 35% have reduced their working hours, while 21% have taken lower-paid or more junior roles to fit around their caring responsibilities. Every day, roughly 600 people leave work completely to provide unpaid care. According to DWP figures, the economic cost of carers being out of work is £37 billion a year.
Why support in the workplace matters
Supportive workplaces can make a real difference. Flexible hours, understanding managers, and a culture that recognises caring responsibilities help people balance work and care. Even small changes can make carers feel valued and able to stay in employment while managing their responsibilities at home. Find out more here https://wecareyoucare.info/professionals/employers
Knowing your rights in the workplace
It’s important for carers to be aware of their rights at work. Some employers offer support, but it often takes asking to find out what’s available. Whether it’s flexible working, time off in emergencies, or access to carer-specific policies, knowing your entitlements can ease some of the pressures of caring. Find out more here https://wecareyoucare.info/am-i-a-carer/working-carers
A lack of choice
Previous research from Carers UK highlights that many carers feel they had little choice in taking on their role. This shows that caring isn’t just a personal decision but often a necessity, making support all the more critical.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive at Carers UK, said:
“Given the fact that very few people feel they have a choice about caring, we have both a moral and an economic obligation to support unpaid carers. Many are under considerable stress living a life defined by their caring responsibilities. We need to start valuing their contributions because when they leave the workplace or experience burnout, this has wider consequences for workplaces and health services.
“These findings come at a time when the Government is moving forwards in several critical areas, including an independent commission on adult social care. Concrete action to deliver better rights and support for carers within plans to reform the NHS, review workplace rights and social security benefits has never been more urgently needed. Without this, unpaid carers will continue to struggle with devastating consequences for individuals, those they care for, and society as a whole.”
Looking ahead
The report highlights the urgent need for action from government, workplaces, and communities.
Kelly Hodgson, Project Lead at We Care You Care said:
Caring affects millions of lives, and without recognition, support, and practical solutions, carers risk poor health, financial hardship, and burnout. Carers deserve to be valued, supported, and empowered to balance their responsibilities with their own wellbeing.
Read the full report here State of Caring 2025
