More than five million adults in the UK are facing a serious combination of financial, health, and housing problems. This level of “multi-stress” has not been seen since the global economic crash more than ten years ago, new research reveals.
About one in ten working-age adults struggle with low income and debt, insecure housing and high rents, and difficulties accessing NHS care. These individuals are at least twice as likely to suffer from mental stress, sleeplessness, and social isolation compared to others.
Researchers described this sharp rise in multiple insecurities as a “national stress crisis.” Those affected experience unstable and uncertain lives, along with deep feelings of powerlessness and lack of control.
The study examined how many people face three types of insecurity at once. It shows how these combined problems limit people’s ability to enjoy a good quality of life, both physically and mentally.
Becky Tunstall, a visiting professor at the London School of Economics and co-author of the study, said the findings pose a challenge to Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Millions of people struggle to pay bills and access public services, leaving their lives “on hold.”
Tunstall also linked the rise in multiple insecurities to growing voter dissatisfaction with mainstream politics and rising support for populist parties like Reform. She said, “The last time people were under this much pressure was during the global financial crisis. Now, we face a national stress crisis. People need urgent and significant change to ease this pressure.”
She added that over five million people are stressed by financial, housing, and health issues all at once. Three million feel constantly under strain, and two and a half million have trouble sleeping.
Rachel Reeves has described the current period as an “age of insecurity.” Her approach, called “securonomics,” aims to promote growth by creating good jobs, strengthening public services, and stopping price rises.
However, a year into Labour’s government, many voters feel that promised changes have been slow. Despite plans to build more homes, reduce NHS waiting times, improve public transport, and fight child poverty, progress has not met expectations after years of austerity and falling living standards.
The research emphasizes that economic growth alone is not enough. It must be paired with policies that reduce “volatility and uncertainty” in people’s lives. Suggestions include removing the two-child limit on benefits, investing more in public services, and expanding support services like Citizens Advice.
Commissioned by the previous government as part of its levelling-up agenda, the study used recent household survey data and interviews with people in Sheffield, Milton Keynes, and Lincolnshire.
One participant told researchers, “I would love to be in a place where I could feel safe and not worry about paying rent or buying food, and where we could live a healthy life in a safe environment.”
For many, multiple insecurities create a feeling of “life put on hold.” This often results from long NHS waits or delays in home repairs, combined with frustration dealing with distant and complicated public service systems.
While 9% of all working-age adults face combined financial, health, and housing problems, certain groups are more affected. About 32% of people with disabilities or long-term illnesses experience multiple insecurities, and minority ethnic groups are also at higher risk.
Employment offers some protection, but many working people still face insecurity. Among those employed, 41% experience financial insecurity, 31% health insecurity, and 30% housing insecurity. Seven percent face all three problems at once.
A government spokesperson said they remain committed to improving living standards. They highlighted recent increases in the national minimum wage, benefit upratings, NHS reforms to reduce waiting lists with 3 million extra appointments since July, and the largest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation.
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