Nearly Half of UK’s Key Workers Contemplate Quitting Amid Rising Hardship

A new study has revealed that almost half of people employed in essential services are considering leaving their jobs due to severe hardship. 

The research, conducted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, highlights the strain those in primary schools and (General Practitioners) GP surgeries feel as they cope with inadequate resources while attempting to support millions struggling to afford basic necessities.

According to the study, approximately 40% of primary school and community care workers across England, Wales, and Scotland are “staggering under the weight of hardship.” 

With nearly four million people unable to pay for essentials such as food, heating, and clothing, these key workers are increasingly redirecting their limited resources to assist those in need.

The survey, which included over 1,000 staff members from primary schools and community care settings, revealed that 60% of respondents find it more challenging to perform their duties effectively due to the pervasive hardship. 

Chris Birt, Associate Director for Scotland at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, voiced his concern. 

“Hardship has reached a shameful level in the UK, with almost four million people finding themselves in destitution in a single year – unable to keep themselves dry, warm, and fed.”

Chris Birt

Birt called on political leaders to take immediate action, emphasizing the need for a serious approach to address the widespread and profound hardship impacting millions of families. He stressed, “No plan for our schools or NHS should be taken seriously if it doesn’t include tackling hardship.”

Birt further pointed out that while the Scottish Government is responsible for certain services, the upcoming UK government must also shoulder its responsibility to mitigate the hardship faced by people across the UK. 

“Leaving millions to live without essential items such as enough food or heating doesn’t just rob people of options or dignity, it also adds to the pressures on the services we all rely on.” 

Chris Birt

Primary Pupil Affected By Hardship

An estimated 48% of primary school pupils have experienced hardship this year, leading to tired, hungry, or distressed children arriving at school. 

Teachers frequently find themselves stepping in to provide support, often using their own money to buy food for students. 

One teacher from west central Scotland described the impact. 

“If children aren’t ready to learn – they’ve not had their breakfast, they’re hungry, or they’ve had a really troubling night … then you can see a huge shift in terms of focus and readiness … you tend to find those are the children that cry most and their behavior is their way of saying they need help.”

A teacher from Scotland

Similar conditions were reported in primary and community healthcare settings. Around 57% of patients in these environments have experienced hardship in the past year, with nearly half of respondents indicating that their workplace offers a food bank. 

The study also found that hardship exacerbates health issues, leading to more complex conditions and requiring longer, more frequent appointments.

A GP from West Central Scotland recounted the challenges. 

“One patient with a cardiac problem has missed over a dozen appointments and says it’s because he can’t afford the transport – it’s a two-bus journey each way. 

“This means multiple appointments with me going around in circles as we haven’t had the investigations to make a diagnosis. This then wastes multiple NHS appointments which is frustrating.”

GP from Scotland

Birt concluded with a call to action, urging politicians to outline their strategies for providing immediate support to families and proposing bold, long-term solutions. 

“We still need to hear from all our politicians on how they’ll take urgent action to support families, as well as setting out bold, long-term solutions which ensure that everyone in our country can at least afford the essentials.”

Chris Birt

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s study underscores a pressing need for comprehensive policy interventions to alleviate the severe hardships affecting millions and to ensure the sustainability of essential services in the UK.

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