Parent Carers – getting the recognition and support they deserve

The Government’s consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers is long overdue recognition of the challenges they face. As both a parent carer and a solicitor in the Child Brain Injury team, I have seen those challenges first-hand and I welcome the Make Work Pay: employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children call for evidence, which launched in June.

Our team regularly supports parents whose children have sustained brain injuries through clinical negligence or accidents. These injuries can have life-changing consequences, ranging from severe physical disabilities to significant cognitive, behavioural and learning difficulties.

Many parent carers do not think of themselves as carers at all – they simply see themselves as parents. But, while caring for and supporting a child is a natural part of parenthood, the reality for families of disabled children can be overwhelming. The level of care required is often intensive, round-the-clock and emotionally draining.

When a child suffers a serious brain injury, the impact extends far beyond the child. Everyday tasks can become complex and time-consuming. Parents may be managing medication, attending frequent medical appointments, providing overnight care and coping with constant worries about their child’s health and future. The demands of caring can also lead to financial pressures, employment difficulties, housing challenges and strain on family relationships.

The reality facing parent carers

There are approximately 1.8 million disabled children under 19 in the UK, representing around 12% of all children. This figure has steadily increased over the last decade.

Research published by Family Fund in its report The Cost of Caring 2025, highlights the financial pressures many families face:

• 44% of families struggle to meet everyday living costs
• 87% have no savings
• Parent carers provide care equivalent to an additional full-time unpaid role every day, leaving just 7% able to work as much as they would like
• 66% reported that a lack of suitable childcare prevented them from working

These figures demonstrate the significant financial impact caring responsibilities can have on families.

How compensation can help

Where a child has suffered an injury due to negligence or an accident, the costs of their care will usually form an important part of any compensation claim. In cases involving serious brain injury, care and assistance claims are often among the largest elements of the case.

Once liability has been established, BBK will usually seek an interim payment to ensure that immediate support can be put in place for the child and their family.

Recognising the care provided by parents

The law recognises the value of unpaid care provided by family members. Even though a parent may provide care out of love and commitment, compensation can often be recovered for the additional care provided beyond what would normally be expected of a parent.

These payments acknowledge the considerable time, effort and sacrifice involved in supporting an injured child.

Funding professional support

In many cases, compensation allows a comprehensive care and rehabilitation package to be put in place.

Following detailed assessments by specialist case managers and medical experts, support can include:

• Professional carers
• Rehabilitation therapies
• Specialist equipment
• Home adaptations
• Respite care
• Access to play and community activities

A well-structured care package benefits not only the child but the entire family, helping to reduce pressure on parent carers and improve quality of life.

Just as importantly, securing sufficient compensation for future care can provide parents with reassurance that their child’s needs will be met long-term.

A growing recognition of parent carers

It is important that parent carers recognise the immense contribution they make and seek support when caring responsibilities begin to affect their wellbeing, finances or family life.

There is also a growing need for policymakers to recognise the reality facing unpaid carers. Families caring for disabled children require meaningful financial support, accessible respite services and employment protections that reflect the demands of caring.

Encouragingly, progress is being made.

During Carers Week in June 2026, the Government launched its Make Work Pay consultation, seeking views from unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children on how best to balance employment with caring responsibilities. The consultation is considering issues such as:

• The effectiveness of unpaid carers’ leave
• The introduction of paid carers’ leave
• A proposed “right to return” to work following periods of intensive caring
• Additional support for parents whose child has been diagnosed with a serious illness

The consultation remains open until 1 September 2026, and I would encourage parent carers to share their experiences, which you can do here.

More recently, on 14 July 2026, the Government published its first cross-party action plan for unpaid carers, signalling a welcome commitment to improving recognition and support for the millions of people who provide unpaid care across the UK.

Looking ahead

Supporting parent carers is not only the right thing to do; it is essential for the wellbeing of disabled children and their families.

At BBK, we see every day the extraordinary commitment shown by parents caring for children with complex needs. We also understand the pressures they face and the importance of securing the support, care and financial security their families deserve.

To all parent carers: thank you. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. We will continue to advocate for greater recognition, better support and the resources families need to thrive.