The NUCUF is a non-profit organisation run by unpaid carers, for unpaid carers. We believe the only way to support one another is to unite, so we are forming the first recognised Union for Unpaid Carers.

There are 5.9 million registered unpaid carers in the UK. Research suggests it can take up to 3 years for an individual to recognise they are a carer. We help people identify their role and point them toward the support they need, exactly when they need it.

The Economic Impact

£164bn

Unpaid carers save the UK economy over £164bn annually—the equivalent of £34,200 per person.

We know many are afraid to take action because of the continuity of care. We are here to reassure you: if you decide to take official action with us, you will be supported every step of the way.

Together we can make change happen for the millions struggling to meet financial demands.


A YouGov Poll in 2023 suggested there are as many as 10.6m Unpaid Carers in the UK.
In August 2023 the Department for Work and Pensions stated only 1.4m were claiming carers allowance. (YouGov 2023)




What We Will Do & How We Will Do It

The NUCUF is committed to being the voice that demands a seat at the table.

Recognition

Gaining official recognition from the DWP and Department for Business & Trade to ensure a seat at the table for unpaid carers.

Fairer Rates

Campaigning for a rise to the National Living Wage or a negotiated hourly rate to end the cycle of insufficient support.

National Strategy

Co-ordinating with Government on a national package of care that puts carers at the forefront of every discussion.

Accountability

Holding local authorities accountable to ensure they are strictly adhering to their duties toward unpaid carers.

Remove Thresholds

Seeking to remove the restrictive earnings threshold in favour of a tailored approach for working carers.

Justice & Reparations

Seeking reparations for those prosecuted due to DWP technical errors and ensuring all affected know their rights.

Stability & Support

Securing dedicated emotional, mental, and financial support. We ensure you are signposted to the right place for the right support—first time, every time.


Unpaid Carers save the UK Economy £163bn per year - Thats £34,200 per carer per year, or put another way its enough to fund another NHS Service for a whole year. (Carers UK 2023)


Our News

The latest updates from NUCUF
Survey

March 23, 2025

NUCUF Annual Survey 2025

Help shape our future. Our first national survey is live until Carers Rights Day (Nov 21). Your voice is our strength.

Conference

April 29, 2025

Carers Allowance Conference

Join us and Mobilise for interactive sessions to provide input for the summer Independent Review.

MP Vince

July 19, 2025

Roundtable with MP Chris Vince

An exclusive opportunity for Harlow carers to share DWP and Allowance experiences directly with their MP.

National & Local Updates

Keeping you informed on the issues that affect you
Essex Consultation

October 22, 2025

Essex Carers Strategy 2026-2030

Essex County Council invites unpaid carers to help shape the future of local support. Don't miss your chance to have your say.

Pension Dispute

April 25, 2025

Pension Denied Over Carers Allowance

A Jersey resident fights back against an "inhumane" system that denies state pensions to those claiming carers allowance.

Alison Bennett MP

January 2, 2026

MP Warns: 'Carers are at Breaking Point'

Lib Dem MP Alison Bennett calls for urgent action to prevent deeper pressures on the NHS and social care systems.