Nearly 40% of workers in primary schools and healthcare facilities considering leaving due to overwhelming financial difficulties faced by service users.

A recent study by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has highlighted the growing strain on primary schools and community healthcare services in the UK, as nearly four million people struggle with essential costs like food and heating. The research, based on surveys of over 1,000 staff across England, Wales, and Scotland, revealed that 60% of primary school and healthcare workers feel that hardship is hindering their ability to perform their jobs effectively. Alarmingly, around 40% of those surveyed have considered quitting their roles due to the overwhelming financial pressure on service users.

Chris Birt, associate director for Scotland at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, described the level of hardship in the UK as “shameful,” with many individuals unable to afford basic necessities. He stressed that addressing this issue should be a priority for all political parties, especially as the UK government prepares for the upcoming general election in July. According to Birt, no policy for schools or healthcare services will be effective unless it directly addresses the root causes of hardship.

The impact on primary school pupils is particularly concerning, with an estimated 48% of children facing hardship. Many come to school hungry, tired, or emotionally distressed, forcing teachers to spend time supporting them during lessons or even purchasing food for them out of their own pockets. A teacher from west central Scotland described the challenge, saying that when children haven’t eaten breakfast or have faced difficult circumstances at home, their ability to focus and engage in learning is significantly reduced.

The effects of hardship are also being felt in GP surgeries, where 57% of patients have experienced financial difficulties in the past year. Many healthcare professionals reported that these challenges are leading to more frequent, longer, and complex appointments, as patients’ ill health worsens or goes unaddressed due to the inability to afford necessary care. One GP recounted the case of a patient who had missed multiple appointments due to the cost of transport, delaying crucial diagnoses and exacerbating their condition.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has called on politicians to urgently address the issue of hardship, urging them to outline both short-term support measures and long-term solutions to ensure that all families can afford the essentials. Birt emphasized that the growing strain on public services is not only detrimental to the well-being of individuals but also adds pressure to already overstretched systems.