Combating the cost-of-living crisis

By Jo Goga, welfare officer at The Furniture Makers’ Company

Over the past few months, there have been some concerning statistics released that paint a grim picture of the effect that the cost-of-living crisis is having on people’s lives.

According to Citizens Advice, one in four people in the UK (27%) are currently behind on at least one bill with household debt, covering things like essential bills and benefit repayments, currently sitting at £22bn.

Meanwhile, figures obtained by energy regulator Ofgem last summer show that energy debt has reached £2.6 billion – its highest ever level – due to a combination of the rise in wholesale energy prices, and wider cost of living pressures.

While inflation has fallen in recent months following a run of interest rate increases, prices continue to rise, just at a slower rate than what they previously were. Combine this with mortgage and rental payments increasing for many, due to said rising interest rates, and we have a situation that is leading to a desperate state of affairs for many.

Our charity has been supporting the welfare of employees in the industry, past and present, for 120 years. Many industries have similar benevolent fund charities providing support services to colleagues. As well as HR passing on details of anyone they know might benefit from our help, we get lots of referrals from other charities and organisations like Citizens Advice.

Over the past few months, we have seen a stark rise in applications, primarily due to the increase in the cost of living, particularly utility bills, which are becoming unmanageable for some people. We have also had several applications from people on mid/long term sick leave due to complex physical conditions and often accompanying mental health struggles.

The average grant we award is between £800 – £1,000, which may not seem huge, but it can be a lifeline for someone with nowhere else to turn. We also can act very quickly and can get a grant to someone who is in dire straits within a 24-hour period, provided the necessary due diligence checks are satisfactorily met.

For example, Jodie, a factory operative at a furniture manufacturer, got in touch with us after she was put on a compulsory reduced working week. This reduction in her hours resulted in a significant reduction in income at a time when Jodie was recovering from stage 3 cancer.

After having to pay for repairs to her car, Jodie was struggling to cover other bills and essential costs. We were pleased to be able to assist her with a one-off welfare grant and are delighted that she has since returned to full working hours.

If you know someone whose financial situation has changed and they are struggling to pay their bills, we may be able to help them with a welfare grant.

We can help with things like essential household items, essential household bills, funeral expenses, disabled adaptations, essential property repairs, disabled / medical equipment, respite / convalescent breaks, general financial hardship and pre-tenancy costs and removal costs.

If you would like more information about the charity’s support, please get in touch: 020 7562 8528 or email welfareofficer@furnituremakers.org.uk. www.furnituremakers.org.uk/welfare