Insecure workers reliant on food banks

Workers are being forced to turn to food banks and food pantries because of the poor quality of available employment, research has found.

A study from the University of Liverpool revealed that the main reason why 65% of respondents – and 75% of those working age – are food insecure is because they’re in jobs with uncertain hours and low pay.

The researchers also found that  insecure jobs aren’t compatible with the demands of parenting and causes high levels of stress.

Rising demand for food banks

With living costs still sky-high, people are increasingly having to turn to food banks for the essentials. Last year, more than 3 million people used food banks in the UK, according to Statista data.

In the first half of 2024 alone, we pointed more than 21,000 people in the direction of food banks.

And claiming benefits isn’t enough – Trussell Trust found that last month (August 2024), nearly half (48%) of households claiming universal credit ran out of food.

Post-pandemic welfare reforms

Recent welfare changes are partly to blame for people staying in insecure employment, the University of Liverpool’s research found. The policy of in-work-progression requires workers to take all reasonable actions to increase their hours, or take on another job or face benefit reductions.   

This means many people are forced to take up more insecure work, making them more at risk of food insecurity.

Better working conditions on the way

It’s hoped that incoming labour reforms will significantly lower the number of workers struggling to afford essentials.

With the Employment Rights Bill, the government plans to:

• ban zero-hour contracts
• end fire and rehire tactics
• introduce basic rights from day one, including parental leave, sick pay and protection from unfair dismissal
• create a ‘single enforcement body’ to make sure employment rights are upheld
• remove minimum wage age bands so all adults get the same minimum pay
• give people a stronger voice through trade unions

These reforms have been welcomed by a range of organisations and trade unions.Analysis by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) says these reforms will tackle the disproportionate number of black and minority ethnic workers in insecure job roles.

Better systems needed

But the researchers claim improving individual employment rights won’t be enough to end workers’ need for food banks.

They say we need better systems for everyday rights enforcement, including:

• stronger trade union representation in low-wage sectors
• public legal education to raise awareness of rights at work
• access to free legal advice in employment matters
• a welfare system where workers aren’t forced to accept unwanted insecure work

Are you struggling?

If you’re struggling to make ends meet, there are a few ways we may be able to help.

We can check you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to and offer support with budgeting. We also provide free expert advice if you’re no longer able to keep up with repayments on loans, credit cards, overdrafts etc. There are a number of ways you can get in touch.

You may also want to check whether you’re entitled to any grants to help with the rising cost of living. Enter your details in the Turn2us grant checker and see if there are any you can apply for.