Over half of low-paid workers report using foodbanks during the last year, a new study of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis has revealed.
New research by the Living Wage Foundation has investigated the impact of high inflation and low pay on workers earning less than the real Living Wage (£9.90 per hour and £11.05 per hour in London).
The poll of 2,000 low-paid workers found that 78% reported that this is the worst financial period they have ever faced.
Carried out by Survation, the poll also found that over half (56%) – an estimated 2.7 million workers – reported using a foodbank in the last 12 months,
Nearly two thirds (63%) of low-paid workers using foodbanks – an estimated 1.7 million people – said their use had increased in this time.
Katherine Chapman, director of the Living Wage Foundation said: ‘Everyone is feeling the pressure from soaring inflation, but our polling shows that low-paid workers are being hit harder than most with well over half using foodbanks in the last 12 months.
‘These shocking findings bring to life what it’s like to be paid less than a real Living Wage during a cost-of-living-crisis. It’s more important than ever that those employers who can, step up and provide a wage based on the cost of living, joining over 11,000 Living Wage Employers across the UK.’
