As a passionate advocate for social justice, I’ve embarked on a journey to understand the cost of living crisis in the United Kingdom and its impact on multi-ethnic communities in Scotland. Through this personal blog, I’ll share my discoveries, experiences, and the heartrending stories of those affected by this crisis. As a result, we can work together to create a brighter, more equitable future by raising awareness and inspiring action.

Uncovering the Facts Behind In-Work Poverty

As part of my exploration, I commissioned research that is so rich in information that we have published two reports on our website. Each report highlights the extra disadvantages faced by multi-ethnic individuals, including that despite working multiple jobs, many individuals from multi-ethnic backgrounds in Scotland continue to struggle with poverty. For example, 50.6% of respondents in the study had between 2 and 3 jobs, while 2.4% had more than three jobs. With 72.1% of these individuals being employed, self-employed, or underemployed, the majority still earn less than £20,000. It’s evident that in-work poverty is a significant issue that needs addressing.

The Harsh Reality of Welfare Exclusion

One of the most startling findings has been the welfare exclusion experienced by multi-ethnic communities in Scotland. A staggering 77.6% of respondents do not have access to public funds due to immigration or visa conditions, such as the ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ clause. This lack of support has led to increased hardship and poverty for many.

The Voices of Those Affected

In the midst of these statistics, it’s crucial that we remember the real people behind the numbers. For example, one research respondent shared their experience with the changing support landscape during the pandemic:

Although the reports, which gather data from 638 individuals and 108 businesses, have plenty of shocking statistics, they also give voice to the participants who came here with energy and hope. Hearing these stories has only strengthened my resolve to fight for change. The combined recommendations total 12 pages.

Joining Forces for a Fairer Society

As I continue my journey, I am committed to seeking out potential solutions and promoting positive change for Scotland’s multi-ethnic communities. Together, we can address the challenges of the cost of living crisis and work towards building a fairer society for all.

The cost of living crisis is a complex issue that demands our collective attention and action. By sharing my journey, the findings, and the stories of those affected, I hope to foster understanding, empathy, and commitment to change.

If you are inspired to join the movement for a more equitable future, I encourage you to invest in “Poverty’s Vicious Cycle” and “Untapped Talent” and engage in meaningful conversations with those around you. Let’s be part of the solution together.