Cost of living crisis: why record inflation is harder for women

As the UK economy is crippled by inflation and soaring food and fuel prices, women are bearing the brunt of the cost of living crisis.

But why is this?

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Research has found women earn less, have less wealth, are more likely to be in debt and are buying more of the things that cost more because of inflation.

Experts describe women as the ‘shock absorbers’ of poverty, they are often primary caregivers, unable to work longer hours due to expensive childcare fees - going without for the sake of their family.

Channel 4 News follows a single mum, a woman working in the care sector, and a the founder of a charity supporting women of colour. They are all confronted with deepening inequality and an uncertain future.

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Sources:
https://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/VAWG-Sector-Cost-of-Living-Statement-FINAL.pdf

https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/policy-campaigns/living-standards-and-poverty/

https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/new-study-shows-working-women-at-sharp-end-of-cost-of-living-crisis-with-26-trapped-in-severely-insecure-work

https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/bulletins/genderpaygapintheuk/2022

https://www.kantar.com/uki/inspiration/fmcg/2023-wp-battle-for-shoppers-heats-up-as-grocery-price-inflation-hits-new-high

https://wbg.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-gendered-impact-of-the-cost-of-living-crisis.pdf

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