Almost half of UK adults in hygiene poverty have gone without toilet roll
Charities warn of growing hygiene poverty affecting diverse demographics
Nearly a fifth of adults in the UK reported that their household had gone without hygiene products, such as toilet roll and deodorant, according to a recent survey.
The results have been described as a "wake-up call" by charities, with 43% of those surveyed admitting to avoiding social gatherings due to a lack of hygiene essentials.
Conducted by Savanta on behalf of The Hygiene Bank and In Kind Direct, the survey highlights the prevalence of hygiene poverty, defined as the inability to afford basic hygiene products, experienced by 41% of respondents for the first time this year.
Natasha Walker, Project Coordinator for The Hygiene Bank in Staffordshire, discussed the increasing demand for basic hygiene products, with trends showing heightened need during school holidays and colder months due to financial strains. She noted the rise in requests for period products and antiperspirants, as families struggle to choose between heating and essential hygiene.
Charities warn that hygiene poverty, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, is affecting a broader demographic, including working families and those previously financially stable. Natasha Walker expressed that the assumption that hygiene poverty affects only those out of work is misguided, with many employed individuals now seeking assistance.
Michael Gidney, chief executive of In Kind Direct, said the findings highlight that hygiene poverty is reaching families who once felt secure financially.
Ruth Brock, chief executive of The Hygiene Bank, emphasized the increasing visibility of hygiene poverty and urged donations at drop-off points in Boots stores or through volunteering.
A Government spokesperson highlighted measures taken to address poverty, like the £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund and the suspension of tariffs on staples, aiming to ease cost-of-living pressures and increase household incomes.