We would never ask you to put the safety of others in jeopardy, and as Unpaid Carers, we too know the fear that comes with "striking", which is why we would never ask you to simply give up while taking action.
Instead, we will take action, by returning the care that we provide, back to the NHS, GP's and other medical professionals.
How we will do it is the easy part.
Before taking part in national action, you’ll need to decide which option best reflects your situation as a carer. To support every circumstance, NUCUF has created three template letters you can send to the GP of the person you care for. These templates ensure your position is formally recorded and that your responsibilities are clearly understood.
Option 1 — You intend to take part in national action
Use this template if you plan to join the national action on the date agreed by majority decision.
The letter notifies the GP of your intention and requests that appropriate continuity‑of‑care arrangements are considered for the person you care for.
Option 2 — You cannot take action due to lack of adequate care provision
Use this template if you support the national action but are unable to participate because no safe alternative care is available.
This ensures your support is formally noted and makes clear that you would take part if continuity of care could be arranged.
Option 3 — You support the national movement but will not be striking
Use this template if you are not taking action but want your support for the nation’s unpaid carers to be recorded.
This option allows you to stand in solidarity with the movement for recognition, rights, and reform.
The templated letters can be printed from any smartphone to a wireless printer, printed on your computer, or emailed to the GP.
To complete the templated letter, you will need:
You will also need to provide:
The person you care for's GP is most likely going to make contact with you to find out what kind of support you will need for the duration of the official action.
This is where you will need to explain to the GP, what you do for the person you care for, how many times a day, whether medication will need to be administered and how it is administered.
You may also receive communication from your local Adult Social Care department, this is to be expected and is no cause for concern. It is simply to find out how they can help during the official action.
The important thing to remember, is that you will not need to leave the person you care for unattended. You will always be there, we are just putting the responsibility of care back onto the State.
We want to know from you what happened.
At the end of the official action, we will ask you a few short questions.
These questions will be to ascertain whether or not State Provided Care (SPC) is able to take over any care arrangements in the event of a crisis or emergency.
In 2024, New Zealand Supreme Court ruled that a couple who provided care was the equivalent to SPC and instructed New Zealand Government to recognise them as Employees of the State.
If care arrangements would fail without you, you and we need to know.