Three in five low-paid workers in the UK have skipped meals, been unable to heat their homes, or taken out a payday loan to cover essentials in the past year, according to new research by the Living Wage Foundation.
The survey of 2,000 workers paid below the voluntary real living wage of £12.60 an hour (£13.85 in London) found that two in five had used a food bank, rising to more than half among those with dependent children.
One in four respondents reported having no savings, while one in five said they had less than £10 left each week after paying for essentials such as food, housing, and energy.
Katherine Chapman, executive director of the Living Wage Foundation, said the findings show the 'harsh reality' for low-paid workers, who are forced to make 'impossible choices' between heating, eating, and paying bills.
Katie Hood, lead community organiser at Colchester food bank, said the report reflects the 'detrimental impact of low pay' on community welfare, with rising living costs and economic inequality leaving many behind.
