Almost nine in ten negatively impacted by the cost-of-living crisis

In addition:

• 46% of workers worry about finances on a daily basis 
• 45% of UK employees are limiting their heating to save money
• 37% of UK staff feel physically drained by financial worries

Research from specialist employee benefits provider, Unum UK, highlights the staggering impact that the cost-of-living crisis is having on UK workers, revealing that almost nine in ten (86%) are being negatively affected by cost-of-living pressures — a 9 percentage point increase from last year’s figures (77%).

The study, conducted by Censuswide, paints a sobering picture of how cost-of-living struggles are affecting workers with nearly half of respondents (46%) reporting worrying about their finances on a daily basis.

The strain of cost-of-living extends beyond mere financial discomfort. Many employees are grappling with depression and feelings of isolation too, with 37% feeling physically tired and struggling with low energy, 21% feeling depressed and 18% feeling socially withdrawn. 

Perhaps most concerningly, UK workers are being forced to make decisions that may affect their health, with 45% saying they are limiting or switching off their heating and 39% admitting to eating less or making less healthy food choices to make their money stretch further.