East Yorkshire Charity Says Increase In Working Poor Is Alarming

An East Yorkshire Charity based in Beverley says they are alarmed by increased numbers of the working poor who are accessing their services.

Their comments come as organisations like the Cherry Tree Centre are seeing more people turn to them for help to cope with the cost of living crisis.

The working poor is people who despite holding down a full-time job are struggling to meet their overheads. While it also applies to those on low incomes who rely on benefits.

In a statement they said:

“In recent months as the cost of living starts to take hold more people are coming to us for help. Unlike when it was mainly people who were on benefits we are seeing more working people asking for help.”

“The growth we are experiencing from the working poor is alarming. These are not just people on low incomes but also those who have jobs like teaching and nursing.”

“These people are facing real choices between heating and eating. It is not getting any better and we know it will only get worse as winter kicks in.”

“More people are starting to request food that requires no energy to prepare. Despite cutting down their own household budgets and working full-time they can not manage.”

The Number of Working Poor Accessing Services Is Increasing

“It is not uncommon for us to hear stories of people skipping meals so their children can eat. We also hear that people are worried about putting their heating on due to rising fuel costs.”

“Charities are doing what they can to help. But the level of food being donated is also falling as those who make donations tighten their own belts.”

“It is frightening to think that as one of the richest countries in the world families are struggling like this.”

The government’s budget offered little hope to those who are worse off. They plan to put more pressure on those who receive support through benefits.  

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng wants to take punitive action on the working poor who top up their earnings with Universal Credit. He wants to impose sanctions on those in an attempt to force them to work more.