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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.

Annual National Saving

£164bn

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

WHAT THE UK SPENDS TO STAY SAFE

£105bn

Total cost of UK security & emergency services

£60.2bn

Defence budget alone

£17.2bn

Police services

Where the £105bn goes:

Police — £17.2bn
Ambulance — £3.5bn
Fire & Rescue — £3.0bn
Defence — £60.2bn
Intelligence Agencies — £4.0bn
Border & Immigration Security — £3.5bn
Counter‑Terrorism & National Resilience — £1.8–£1.9bn
Prisons & Probation — £6.0–£6.5bn
Maritime & Aviation Safety — £1.2–£1.4bn
Public Health Security — £4.0–£4.6bn
Regulators & Enforcement — £1.1–£1.3bn

Unpaid carers contribute more than the entire national safety system combined.

Put another way - The safety and security of the UK is on the backs of Unpaid Carers.

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 DWP stated only 1.4m were claiming carers allowance.
(YouGov 2023)

The NUCUF is free to everyone so don't forget to register to get involved

NUCUF discovers TWO THIRDS of UK Councils have no in-date strategy

The NUCUF - The only union supporting unpaid carers in the UK

Seeking recognition from HM Government - Click recognition to get involved

National Carers Rights Day - 21st November 2026

The NUCUF Carers Survey is now open - Visit the Surveys page

The NUCUF is free to everyone so don't forget to register to get involved

NUCUF discovers TWO THIRDS of UK Councils have no in-date strategy

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.