Cost of living

HR community reacts to chancellor's Spring Statement

Chancellor Rishi Sunak's Spring Statement announced income tax cuts for workers, yet many feel it has failed to address concerns surrounding the UK's cost of living crisis.

Working BME and disabled parents paying higher childcare costs

Black and minority ethnic (BME) and disabled parents are spending a higher proportion of their income on childcare than white or non-disabled workers, making them more susceptible to the affects of...

Majority of jobs below Living Wage held by women

New data published by the Living Wage Foundation has revealed it is women who are disproportionately impacted by low pay and current rising living costs.

How can HR help employees in fuel poverty? Part two

Millions of British households are set to face crippling rises in their electricity and gas bills next winter, with the latest projections suggesting the energy price cap will nearly double to £2,400...

How can HR help employees in fuel poverty?

Millions of British households are set to face crippling rises in their electricity and gas bills next winter, with the latest projections suggesting the energy price cap will nearly double to £2,400...

Wage stagnation threatens wellbeing of low-paid workers

While a short supply of candidates has driven up starting salaries to near-record levels, wages are still expected to fall behind the cost of living.

Free school meals recipients struggle to earn a living wage

Fewer than a quarter of people (23%) in England who used to receive free school meals were earning above the living wage by the age of 25.

Financial education is now a necessity

Financial education has become a significant part of the wellbeing offering, as the UK sees a surge in the cost of living.

Strikes return after pandemic reprieve

Recent high-profile industrial action, such as the Transport for London (TfL) Night Tube walk-out, have signalled the return of strike action after a general pause over the past two years as a result...

Parents struggling with childcare costs

One in eight (13%) British workers has had to opt for part-time hours to manage the cost of childcare.

Low earners prefer working from home, but suffer financially for it

Research has indicated for the first time that low-paid workers benefit overwhelmingly from working at home, yet companies could do more to support them.

Record wages for seasonal staff set to climb higher

Companies are paying record-high wages to secure seasonal staff this Christmas, yet may have to pay even more as vacancies lie open.