UK Survey Shows Rising Hygiene Poverty Forces Many to Skip Social Visits
A recent poll finds nearly one-fifth of UK adults have missed basic hygiene items and are avoiding friends because they cannot afford them.
A market research poll carried out by Savanta in early June of 3,042 UK adults showed that 18% have gone without essential hygiene products such as toilet roll, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and period supplies in the previous six months. Of those experiencing “hygiene poverty,” 43% admit they avoid meeting friends or relatives because they cannot afford basic personal care items. The study, commissioned by charities The Hygiene Bank and In Kind Direct, indicates the issue is spreading beyond traditionally low-income groups to include working families with two full-time incomes.
Michael Gidney of In Kind Direct described the results as a wake-up call, while Ruth Brock of The Hygiene Bank warned that the trend damages life chances. The charities are using National Hygiene Week to raise awareness, and a government spokesman noted that household incomes have risen 5% in real terms.
Why it matters
Growing hygiene poverty threatens public health and social inclusion for millions of Britons.
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