Each day across the UK, millions of people go to work carrying responsibilities far beyond their job description. They might be supporting a parent with dementia, a partner recovering from illness, or a child with additional needs. They might not speak about it. They might not even see themselves as carers. But they are.
This Carers Week (9–15 June 2025), we’re shining a light on the hidden world of caring. The theme this year is “Caring About Equality” – a call to recognise, value and support the people who, quietly and without fanfare, hold up the lives of those who depend on them.
At Acuity Law, we want to open up the conversation about caring. As part of this, we’re hosting an internal open conversation event where colleagues can explore what it means to be a carer, share experiences, and consider how our workplace can become more care-aware.
So, what is a carer?
Carers UK defines a carer as “anyone who provides unpaid care to someone who would not manage without their help”. By that definition, around 1 in 7 workers in the UK is a carer. That’s one in seven people potentially juggling care plans, medication schedules, emotional labour – and full-time jobs.
But here’s the thing – most carers don’t realise they are carers.
They see themselves as simply doing what needs to be done – being a good daughter, a supportive partner, a reliable sibling or devoted parent. And because of this, many go without the support or recognition they need.
The cost of caring
Caring is often an act of love, but it comes at a cost – emotionally, physically, financially, and professionally.
- 1 in 6 carers have had to reduce their hours or leave work entirely due to their caring responsibilities.
- Carers are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and financial hardship.
- Opportunities for career development, education, and social engagement often fall by the wayside.
The impact is even greater for carers from marginalised or low-income backgrounds, younger carers trying to navigate education and responsibility, and older carers facing burnout. “Caring About Equality” means recognising these disparities and working towards solutions that are inclusive and fair.
Why this matters at work
The truth is, carers are already in our workforce. They’re sitting at desks, attending meetings, meeting deadlines – all while managing extraordinary responsibilities at home. If we don’t make space for these conversations, we risk overlooking the people who are doing some of the hardest work of all and failing to support them.
At Acuity Law, we are committed to creating an environment where people feel seen and supported – not just in their roles, but in their lives beyond work. Carers Week is a moment to pause, reflect, and ask: what more can we do?
Starting the conversation
To mark the week, we’re holding an internal roundtable to hear directly from our colleagues with caring responsibilities. It will be an open, informal opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges, and think creatively about how we can potentially build a more compassionate workplace culture.
Because caring shouldn’t come at the cost of career progression or wellbeing. And recognising someone as a carer can be the first step toward giving them the support they need.
Looking ahead
We don’t need to have all the answers yet. But we do need to ask the right questions.
- What exactly is a carer?
- Who in our team might be caring behind the scenes?
- What policies and support structures do we have in place?
- What barriers might prevent carers from asking for help, and how can we break them down?
- Are managers equipped to recognise and support carers in their teams?
Carers Week is just the start. By raising awareness and listening to lived experience, we can begin to reshape our understanding of care and how we can support the carers.
