Juggling work and care: nearly half of working carers think about cutting back

Holding down a job while looking after someone can feel like two full-time roles. New research shows how many carers are giving one up.

What the research found

On 16 September 2026 Carers UK published new polling by Opinium (Carers UK, 16 September 2026). It estimates that:

• 1 in 5 UK workers, about 6.7 million people, combine work and unpaid care.
• About 1.1 million people have left work to care in the last two years, around 1,500 every day, up from more than 600 a day in 2019.

In May, Carers UK's report The 'tipping point' drew on more than 10,500 responses to its State of Caring 2025 survey (Carers UK, 12 May 2026). It found that:

• 47% of carers who are employees are considering cutting their hours or giving up work.
• 74% of carers in work said working is good for their wellbeing.
• Of carers who had already given up work, 71% had felt stressed about caring while at work, 48% didn't feel comfortable talking to their line manager, and 43% said their employer had no policies to support carers.
• 60% said paid Carer's Leave would make them feel less stressed, and 45% said it would make them more likely to stay in work.

Helen Walker, Carers UK's chief executive, put the cost of carers leaving paid work at "£37 billion a year" (Carers UK, 12 May 2026).

What the government is looking at

The government consulted from 9 June to 1 September 2026 on employment rights for unpaid carers, including paid carer's leave for the first time and a "right to return" to work after a period of intensive caring (GOV.UK, 9 June 2026). It has said it will publish a response; none had appeared when we wrote this on 12 October 2026.

What this means for you

• Use Carer's Leave. Employees can take up to five days (pro rata) of unpaid Carer's Leave in any 12 months, as single days, half days or a block. You don't need to provide evidence, and your employer cannot unreasonably refuse, though they can postpone it (GOV.UK, 9 June 2026).
• Know about time off for dependants. All employees can take a reasonable amount of unpaid time off for emergencies, such as a breakdown in care arrangements (GOV.UK, 9 June 2026).
• Ask for flexible working. Different hours, home working or a change of pattern can make the difference.
• Ask what your employer offers. Some employers have carers' policies, paid leave or a carers' network.
• Talk to someone before you resign. Carers UK, Citizens Advice or Acas can help you look at the options.

If you're worried about their health, contact their GP or NHS 111. In an emergency call 999.

We're building Coming Home: Family Care, a UK iPhone app to help the whole family share the jobs, so caring doesn't all land on one person. Join the waitlist.

Original source: 1,500 people quit work to care for older and disabled relatives every day, Carers UK, 16 September 2026