Behind the scenes, a staggering 1 million people in the UK are silently shouldering the weight of full-time caregiving—entirely unpaid. This hidden workforce is in crisis, and it’s time we paid attention. A recent report has shed light on a startling reality: one in three unpaid carers from lower-income backgrounds are unable to hold down a job because of their care responsibilities. But here’s where it gets even more alarming—this trend isn’t just a coincidence. It’s the direct result of an aging population, rising health issues, and disabilities disproportionately affecting the poorest families in the country, according to research by the Resolution Foundation.
Let’s break it down: nearly one in three working-age adults in lower-income families live with a disability, compared to fewer than one in five in wealthier households. And this is the part most people miss—in these financially strained homes, 1 million individuals are dedicating 35 hours or more each week to caregiving, essentially working a full-time job without pay. This leaves them trapped in a cycle where securing paid employment becomes nearly impossible.
Mike Brewer, deputy chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, puts it bluntly: ‘Britain is aging, health issues are on the rise, and disabilities are more prevalent—especially among the poorest families. Yet, the growing demand for unpaid care is barely discussed in political circles.’ He highlights the irony of Britain’s ‘unsung army’—1 million people dedicating the equivalent of a full-time job to unpaid care, often with little to no support. ‘It’s time we step up,’ he urges, ‘just as we’ve done for working parents in recent years.’
The government responds by acknowledging the sacrifices carers make and the challenges they face. They point to recent increases in the earnings threshold for carer’s allowance and additional support through the Better Care Fund, including respite services. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite these efforts, a 2024 Guardian investigation exposed a shocking reality: tens of thousands of unpaid carers, many already in poverty, were hit with massive bills for overpayments due to failures by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This, despite a 2019 promise that new technology would eliminate such errors.
The numbers are staggering: in the five years following the introduction of the Verify Earnings and Pensions (VEP) tool, over 262,000 overpayments totaling more than £325 million were reclaimed from carers. Worse, 600 carers were prosecuted and saddled with criminal records, according to the National Audit Office. In response, Labour launched an independent review of the allowance and raised the earnings limit for claimants.
Here’s the burning question: Are we doing enough to support these carers, or are we turning a blind eye to their struggles? The government’s steps are a start, but is it enough to address the systemic issues? And what about the emotional and financial toll on these carers? Let’s open the floor—what do you think? Is it time for a radical rethink of how we support unpaid carers, or are current measures sufficient? Share your thoughts in the comments—this conversation needs your voice.
