The Invisible Workforce: Why We Need to Act for Young Carers

At Merrifield Consultants, we’re proud to work with charities and not-for-profits who are striving to create a fairer and more inclusive society. One group who often go unnoticed, yet carry some of the heaviest burdens, are young carers.

A recent emergency roundtable in Oxfordshire, led by Be Free Young Carers, put a much-needed spotlight on this issue. The discussion was urgent and eye-opening: the average young carer in the UK misses more than a month of school each academic year. That’s 60% more time than their peers. It’s a pattern that’s echoed across the country and one that’s having a serious impact on children’s life chances.

The Stark Reality for Young Carers

• Young carers miss an average of 23 school days per year
• They are 33% more likely to fall behind in reading, writing and maths
• They are twice as likely to be suspended or excluded
• Over a third say their caring role affects their ability to study for exams
• Almost half report feeling persistently stressed
• Many feel isolated and overlooked — especially during school holidays

These figures are more than just statistics, they’re the lived experiences of thousands of children and young people who are shouldering adult responsibilities from as young as five years old.

What Is a Young Carer?

A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who looks after a parent, sibling or other family member with a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition or addiction. Their responsibilities can include cooking, cleaning, administering medication, emotional support, managing household finances, and caring for siblings.

The Hidden Impact on Education

One of the most devastating consequences of being a young carer is how it affects their education. The balancing act of caregiving and learning is a near-impossible one, especially without the right support.

And yet, many young carers aren’t even identified in school systems.

Despite being added to the school census in 2023, nearly 72% of schools reported having no young carers. This is clearly not accurate — it’s a sign that too many young carers are still hidden. According to Young Carers in Schools and the Safeguarding Network, this often happens because:

• Their family’s condition isn’t visible
• They fear stigma, bullying or being taken into care
• They don’t see themselves as carers
• They don’t believe disclosing will make a difference

Time for Change

With an estimated 1 million young carers in the UK,  including over 12,000 in Oxfordshire alone,  this is not a small-scale issue. It is a national one.

At the Oxfordshire roundtable, MPs, charity leaders and education providers came together to find solutions. These included:

• Stronger identification practices in schools
• Flexibility on homework and deadlines
• Access to respite, breaks, and mental health support
• Training and awareness for teachers and school staff
• National policy changes to support young carers from the top down

Why Merrifield Cares

At Merrifield Consultants, we work with the people and organisations who put social good first. That means supporting those who support others and no one needs more support than our young carers.

If you’re a charity, school, or organisation working with or for young carers, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to make a difference where it matters most.

Click here to contact us.