On 29 September 2025, grassroots movement Providers Unite, which comprises carers, families, and care organisations, is staging a peaceful walk through Liverpool as part of a day of action to demand urgent reform of adult social care.
The walk, called the ‘Backbone of Care Walk’, forms part of Providers Unite’s #carecannotwait campaign, and will go from Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral (Upper Parliament Street) through the city, before ending at the Royal Albert Dock. The walk and day of action have been planned to coincide with the Labour Party Conference which is being held in the city that week.
Show of unity for social care
Providers Unite is a grassroots campaign uniting care providers across the country. It brings together leaders, carers and users of a range of services to advocate for meaningful change. The group was formed in the aftermath of the Autumn 2024 Budget, to demand action on what it describes as the ‘profound impact’ proposed tax increases would have on the care sector.
Up to 4,000 people, many of whom work in the social care sector, are expected to attend the walk. Providers Unite hope this show of unity will help to affirm the essential role of social care in our society and will add weight to its demand for the ‘urgent investment’ its members believe the sector desperately needs.
New legislation could lead to reduction in the quality of care
In addition to its continuing concerns about the increased costs associated with higher National Insurance contributions outlined in the last Budget, Providers Unite also hopes to shine a light on the Employment Rights Bill and the Social Care Fair Pay Agreement which it describes as ‘the most significant legislative change our sector has ever faced.’
Both pieces of legislation are expected to complete their respective journeys through Parliament in the coming months and aim to strengthen workers’ rights and improve pay and conditions for workers, including those working in the social care sector.
Whilst Providers Unite supports a fair pay agreement for social care workers, arguing that staff should receive pay that reflects their skill, dedication, and the essential role they have, its members are concerned that the impact of both pieces of legislation will be to create additional costs to providers. They are particularly worried that these extra costs will not be reflected in increased government funding, leading to a funding gap they say will inevitably cause a reduction in the quality and range of services and care provided.
Invisible support system
Providers Unite also shares the fear of many working in the sector that social care will see funding cuts in the upcoming budget. Within the sector there is great anxiety that, given the poor state of the economy, the government might be tempted to make cuts to social care funding to try to reduce the reported £50 billion black hole in the public finances.
Underpinning many of Providers Unite’s concerns is a sense that the government is failing to recognise how vital the social care sector, and its role in supporting the NHS, truly is. And a core tenet of Providers Unite’s mission is to ensure social care and social care providers receive the recognition and respect they deserve.
Nadra Ahmed CBE, Co- Chairman of Providers Unite said: “This government continues to add new responsibilities on social care without providing the investment required to deliver. The irony is stark; the NHS 10 year Plan mentions social care only three times, yet relies on us to deliver its goals.
We cannot continue as the invisible support system for the health and wellbeing for millions in our communities. We must be seen. We must be heard. And we invite the government to engage meaningfully with us.”
#carecannotwait
Providers Unite hopes that its day of action and #carecannotwait campaign will create a national conversation about what it truly costs to keep people safe, independent, and well.
If you would like to find out more about Providers Unite, its campaigns and the Backbone of Care Walk, visit their website at https://www.providersunite.co.uk/
After a press release by Providers Unite
