The escalating cost of living is driving single adults and families into hygiene poverty, according to a recent study. Single adults living alone now require an annual income of at least £31,536 to cover their essential expenses, including food, clothing, and hygiene products. The study’s findings, based on a survey of 2,000 British adults, expose the severe impact of the cost-of-living crisis, with a quarter of single individuals struggling to make ends meet. Consequently, over half of these individuals have had to make difficult choices between paying rent and purchasing essential items like food and hygiene products.
The financial strain is not limited to single-person households, as 23% of all respondents reported struggling with finances. This has led to a situation where 57% of individuals must prioritize which essential items to spend their limited funds on. Among those in employment who are experiencing financial pressure, 23% have reduced their household food purchases, while 10% have cut back on personal care items like shampoo, toothpaste, and soap. Households with dependents are more likely to struggle with affording basic hygiene products compared to those without dependents (32% versus 22%).
The study also found that those who have struggled to purchase hygiene products in the past year have resorted to borrowing from friends or family (30%), using free products in public areas (26%), or receiving items from charities (21%). Alarmingly, half of those who find it challenging to afford hygiene products avoid leaving their homes, with 19% admitting they cannot bring themselves to attend job interviews.
Young adults in the UK are particularly vulnerable to this financial crisis. A staggering 77% of 18-24-year-olds and 73% of 25-34-year-olds are experiencing financial difficulties and facing tough choices between essential expenses. In contrast, only 36% of over-65s who are struggling financially are having to make such decisions.
The situation is particularly dire when it comes to basic hygiene. Twice as many young adults who are struggling financially (45% of 18-24s and 40% of 25-34s) have difficulty purchasing necessities such as toilet paper and toothpaste, compared to their older counterparts (23% of both 45-54s and 55-64s).
The study highlights the urgent need for collective action to address the growing issue of hygiene poverty, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and has severe consequences for mental health, productivity, and school attendance.
