James Constantinou, owner of a Surrey-based pawn shop and star of the Channel 4 show ‘Posh Pawn,’ reports an increase in pawning due to the cost of living crisis. High-value items, such as a £70,000 Jaguar E-type and a £10,000 solid gold Rolex, are being sold by desperate individuals, including a restaurant owner struggling with energy bills and staff wages.
Motor experts are cautioning UK drivers about escalating ticket scams amid the cost of living crisis. Criminals are employing counterfeit QR codes, websites, and parking ticket emails to defraud unsuspecting motorists. To safeguard themselves, drivers are advised to use parking apps solely from reputable sources such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Experts also urge drivers to thoroughly examine bank statements for unrecognized charges, particularly recurring small amounts, which could indicate fraudulent activity.
Another blow to the British high street as Clarks shoe store in Abingdon shuts down, leaving customers devastated. Experts cite a combination of factors including rising costs, reduced spending, and the impact of online shopping as contributing to the closure. The number of job losses in the retail sector remains significant, with experts warning of further failures in the coming year.
A TikTok user has revealed a brilliant way to save money on essential grocery items like seasonings. Instead of purchasing them from the designated seasoning aisle, where they can be expensive, consumers are advised to head towards the World Foods aisle. There, they can find larger bags of seasonings for a significantly reduced price. This hack has the potential to save shoppers a substantial amount of money in the long run, especially for those who use seasonings regularly. Despite the difference in packaging compared to the traditional glass jars, the World Foods aisle offerings are equally effective.
Associated British Foods, the owner of Primark, reported a 37% surge in half-year pre-tax profit to £881 million. The growth was driven by store expansions, price increases, and improved business conditions. While consumers face cost-of-living pressures, demand for retail and food businesses remained strong.
A mum-of-two has said she has been left traumatized by her dealings with her local council. Shamicka Denis, 29, is forced to share a bed with her toddler and nine-year-old daughter in a single room that serves as their bedroom, living room, and playroom. She says the disruption and claustrophobia in her “self-contained unit” have become a part of daily life.
A study of 2,000 British adults reveals the alarming extent of the cost-of-living crisis. Single adults living alone require an income of at least £31,536 a year to cover essentials and avoid hygiene poverty. Over 23% of all those polled are struggling with finances, leading to difficult choices between basic necessities like paying rent, having food, or maintaining hygiene. The impact is particularly severe for young adults aged 18-34, with a staggering 77% facing financial struggles and 45% finding it difficult to afford hygiene items. The research 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.
