According to research conducted by the charity Carers UK and the University of Sheffield, unpaid carers in the UK contribute £162 billion annually to the economy in England and Wales. This figure is similar to the estimated £164 billion budget for the National Health Service (NHS) in 2020/21. The researchers used 2021 Census figures and calculated the number of people providing unpaid care against the cost for replacement care, taken as £25 per hour in 2021 and £18 per hour in 2011. They noted that this estimate was 29% higher in real terms than the one calculated in 2011.
The findings have led to concerns from Carers UK that social care pressures are causing individuals to have to put their lives on hold to provide more care, as they are left without a choice. The charity’s CEO, Helen Walker, expressed concerns that unpaid carers are being taken for granted. She also explained that caring around the clock for a loved one has significant implications for people’s ability to remain in paid work, maintain their health, and stay financially resilient.
The Department of Health and Social Care responded to the findings by acknowledging the significant contribution of unpaid carers and stating that it is supporting social care with up to £7.5 billion over the next two years. They also highlighted that they provide £325 million through the Better Care Fund for “short breaks and respite services for carers, as well as additional advice and support”. Meanwhile, Matt Bennett, the deputy director of the university’s centre for care, called for policy makers to act urgently to support unpaid carers, as without them, the health and social care systems would collapse.
