Third Of Londoners Face Hygiene Poverty

Roughly one in three Londoners aged 16 to 55 are unable to afford basic hygiene items, new research for charities shows — and the effects reach far beyond embarrassment. The study, compiled by the Hygiene Bank and shared with local reporters, found that about three out of 10 women have had to decide between buying food or toiletries. Nearly a third of respondents said they had to choose between products for themselves or for their children, and 29% reported missing a job interview or taking time off work because they could not afford essentials such as soap, toothpaste or sanitary products. Charities behind the research warn this is a hidden crisis that undermines people’s chances at employment and damages children’s wellbeing. One community worker at Westminster’s Abbey Centre recounted a mother of four who used the household’s last bar of soap on her children and went without washing herself — an anecdote used to underline the stigma and secrecy that often surrounds the issue. The same worker said men are increasingly affected but find it hard to talk about. The Hygiene Bank’s chief executive argued that lack of access to basic products is not an inevitable feature of life in Britain and called for a collective response from government, businesses and communities to end it. Another charity leader described hygiene deprivation as an early warning sign that people are reaching breaking point before they turn to food banks. Data in the report also flagged the impact on children: 19% of youngsters aged six to 15 were reported to be struggling to obtain basic hygiene necessities. City Hall pointed to measures intended to ease the wider cost-of-living squeeze, saying the mayor is committed to helping Londoners. Actions highlighted include freezing bus and tram fares, offering free meals for primary school pupils, providing advice through a Cost of Living Hub, and rolling out “baby banks” across the capital that supply items such as shampoo, body wash, detergent and toothpaste. The picture that emerges is of a practical problem with practical solutions — and one that often goes unseen. With job prospects, school attendance and dignity all at stake, campaigners are urging policymakers and local organisations to treat hygiene items as essential, not optional. --- Managing your business finances? TaxAce provides smart online accountancy services for UK businesses with flexible monthly plans. Image and reporting: https://www.bbc.co.uk | Read original article