82% of Unite members unable to make pay last the whole month - Turn2us

A survey of 350,000 members of the Unite union, covering industrial, occupational and professional working sectors, suggests that 82% of them are unable to make their wages last for the whole month.

38% had to seek help from friends and family
29% used a second job or savings
21% had an overdraft or used credit cards
12% were forced to resort to payday loans.

Unite has been tracking working people's journeys though the economic crisis. The survey reveals troubling levels of debt as members report housing and food costs as the chief strains on their shrinking incomes.

It also shows changing shopping patterns as working people cut back on healthy food options, eating out and spending at major retailers because they are considered too expensive.

If you are struggling to make ends meet, use the Turn2us Turn2us Benefits Calculator to check your entitlement to benefits and the Turn2us Grants Search to check your eligibility for a charitable grant.

Read the Unite press release (link opens in a new window)

Source: Transact website (link opens in a new window)