Petition · past parliament
Formally classify unpaid carers as "workers" of the state, under the law.
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
We the undersigned want the UK Parliament to pass legislation formally classifying unpaid carers as "workers" under UK law, just like their private and public sector counterparts and give them the same rights as any other worker.
Unpaid carers are required under UK law to provide care for a minimum of 35 hours per week (most work over 60). This is a term of employment. Carers working 60 hours per week receive on average £2.30 per hour. This is not acceptably. The way the UK treats carers is exploitation, affording them no workers rights at all, as valued members of the workforce who save the UK £135 billion per year, equivelant to the budgets for the NHS in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland combined.
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
We think these petitions are similar:
Make Carers Allowance equivalent to a fair wage & allow multiple claims
Recognise Unpaid Carers.A Fair amount reflecting the commitment & care provided
Make Carers Allowance equivalent to a fair wage & allow multiple claims
Recognise Unpaid Carers.A Fair amount reflecting the commitment & care provided
Timeline
| 10 Aug 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 24 Sep 2020 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Rejected
24 Sep 2020
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.