1 in 6 adults: what the latest numbers say about unpaid care in the UK
The Health Foundation estimates 1 in 6 UK adults, about 8.9 million people, provided unpaid care in 2023 to 2025. What the numbers say, and what you can ask for.
If you help a parent, partner or friend because of illness, disability or older age, you are far from alone.
How many people care
On 27 February 2026 the Health Foundation published an analysis of the Understanding Society survey. It estimates that 1 in 6 UK adults, about 8.9 million people, provided unpaid care in 2023 to 2025 (Health Foundation, 27 February 2026). Census 2021 gave a lower figure of 5 million carers in England and Wales, because it asked a different question (Health Foundation, 27 February 2026). Carers UK uses a figure of 5.8 million (Carers UK, State of Caring 2025, 21 October 2025).
Who cares, and for how long
The Health Foundation found that:
- 61% of carers gave less than 20 hours of care a week, and 22% gave 35 hours or more.
- Women were 29% more likely than men to be carers.
- Nearly 1 in 4 adults aged 50 to 64 gave some unpaid care.
- 59% of working-age carers were in paid work, compared with 67% of people who don't care. For those caring 35 hours or more, it was 35%.
- 41% of carers giving 35 hours or more a week said they received Carer's Allowance.
The report also says "reliance on unpaid carers is baked into the adult social care system" (Health Foundation, 27 February 2026).
The cost of caring
Carers UK's State of Caring 2025 survey heard from more than 10,500 carers. It found that 74% were worried about their future financial security (Carers UK, 21 October 2025). The State of Caring 2026 survey closed on 9 August 2026, and Carers UK had not published its results when we wrote this on 3 October 2026 (Carers UK).
What this means for you
- You may be a carer even if you only help a few hours a week. Recognising it is the first step to getting support.
- Tell your GP practice you are a carer, so it can be noted on your record.
- If you work, ask about flexible working and Carer's Leave. Employees can take up to one week of unpaid Carer's Leave a year under the Carer's Leave Act 2023 (Health Foundation, 27 February 2026).
- Ask your council for a carer's assessment, whatever the number of hours.
- Look after your own health too. The same report found more than half of carers caring 35 hours or more had a long-term health condition or disability.
If you're worried about their health, contact their GP or NHS 111. In an emergency call 999.
Coming Home: Family Care is a UK iPhone app we're building to help families share the caring, not just the worry. Join the waitlist.
Original source: Unpaid care: the realities of caring in the UK, the Health Foundation, 27 February 2026