The number of full-time unpaid carers in England has soared by more than 70% over the past two decades, with almost 1.9 million people now providing 35 hours or more of care each week.
This sharp rise has emerged alongside a growing demand for adult social care, with requests increasing by 15%. However, the number of people actually receiving formal support has risen by only 2.5%, according to new figures published by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).
The report highlights the UK’s heavy dependence on unpaid carers, the majority of whom are women, and warns that the system is unsustainable without urgent reform. The think tank has called for a fairer funding model for care services, improved pay and conditions for professional care workers, and stronger protections for unpaid carers. Suggested measures include workplace rights, income protection and the introduction of paid care leave.
Political leaders have echoed concerns, stressing that the current crisis requires more than minor adjustments to the existing childcare and social care systems. Calls are growing for a comprehensive strategy to ease pressure on families while ensuring a sustainable and fair approach to care provision across the country.
