The government has published an action plan designed to improve the lives of unpaid carers in England. The plan, titled "Unpaid carers action plan: recognise, refer, reach," outlines the government's intentions to support individuals who look after family, friends, or neighbours without pay.
The strategy focuses on three core areas: ensuring carers are recognised, enabling them to access appropriate support, and helping them to lead a good life and pursue their desired activities. Unpaid carers can be adults, children, or young people, and they often face challenges in obtaining the necessary support, which can impact their ability to attend school or work.
While the plan primarily concerns unpaid carers in England, its provisions regarding rights at work also extend to unpaid carers in Scotland and Wales.