How sudden changes can leave us struggling to hold back the tide of poverty
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Unexpected events can completely change the course of our lives, plunging us into hardship and eroding the stability and security we all need. Paul Brook spoke to two people who have gone from running businesses to bringing up their children on their own on a low income.
By Paul Brook
As JRF’s new UK Poverty 2019/20 report shows, too many people in our society today are struggling to get by, leading insecure and precarious lives, and held back from improving their living standards. Something like losing your job or a relationship breakdown can be enough to sweep you into troubled waters.
When we spoke to parents on low incomes about housing, work and social security as part of the UK Poverty project, many of their comments reflected a sense of insecurity: “no stability”, “a constant struggle”, “no financial control”, “can’t plan for anything”.
Moses Zikusoka, 54, and Elizabeth Cullen, 56, know what it’s like to be hit by a sudden change in circumstances.
...“It’s been really tough”
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