Provider’s Unite Walk at Westminster

Yesterday, thousands of care providers, frontline staff, service users, and advocates stood together in solidarity for the Providers Unite Day of Action. From Westminster to local gatherings across the country, the message was clear: social care matters, and it’s time for real change. 

At the heart of this movement is a fight for recognition, fair pay, and sustainable funding. Social care is an essential pillar of our communities, yet it has been consistently undervalued and underfunded. The rallying cry of #ValueSocialCare echoed through the streets as care professionals and those who depend on their services demanded action from the government. 

The impact of rising costs and changes to Employer National Insurance contributions have placed immense pressure on an already struggling system. Millions of people rely on social care every day, yet workers continue to be underpaid, and services remain at risk due to chronic underfunding. This must change. 

Together, all of us as part of Providers Unite outlined three key demands: 

Recognition & Respect – Social care is essential, ensuring dignity and independence for those in need. It’s time for policymakers to acknowledge its true value.  

Fair Pay for Social Care Workers – With 5.8% of the UK’s workforce dedicated to social care, these professionals deserve wages that reflect their skills, dedication, and critical role in society.  

Sustainable Funding for Community Care – Without urgent investment, access to quality care is at risk. The government must act now to ensure the future of our care system. 

The energy and passion displayed yesterday were inspiring. Every step taken, every voice raised, and every shared story contributed to a movement that will not be ignored. This is more than a one-day action, it’s the beginning of a sustained effort to secure the future of social care. 

Beyond the demonstrations, this movement is about real people; care workers who dedicate their lives to supporting others, individuals who rely on care services to live with dignity, and families who depend on a strong and resilient social care system. Their stories are at the heart of this fight, highlighting the urgent need for change and ensuring that those in power cannot look away. 

On the back of our Provider’s Unite Walk the House of Lords voted to exempt the social sector from the government’s Employer’s National Insurance Contributions rise which was the very reason of the demonstration. This proves people are listening, but the fight has to be taken to the Commons, and we encourage all providers to write to their local MP to remind them what is at stake for their constituents. 

To those who participated, whether in person or online:  

Thank You.  

Your support, solidarity, and commitment are what drive this movement forward.  

The fight for recognition, funding, and reform is far from over. We will continue to push for meaningful dialogue with policymakers, advocate for fair pay, and demand sustainable funding solutions. Yesterday was a significant step, but the journey continues. 

Together, we are making a difference. 

Joe Robertson MP for Isle of Wight East and Member of the Health and Social Select Committee spoke to our team: 

“We must understand the value provided by social care. 

 

Indeed, it’s the greatest reform the NHS could have, to better invest in, better fund and better support social care and, crucially, unpaid carers. That relieves pressure from the NHS, it will reduce avoidable hospital admissions, and when people do need to go into hospital, it means we can get them out quicker. 

 

Most people want to be treated at home, looked after at home and live at home independently. Home can sometimes be a care home. […] We’ve got to do more to keep people out of hospitals and that starts with better funding health and social care and supporting unpaid carers.”