Grocery workers are being urged to seek help sooner, as new research reveals more than half (53%) of grocery workers have avoided asking for financial help due to fear of being judged, with many choosing to struggle in silence, taking a toll on their mental wellbeing.
A poll of 200 UK grocery workers found 82% felt a stigma around needing additional money to get by, believing difficulty is still seen as something to hide rather than talk about (75%).
However, the impact goes beyond just finances. Respondents reported feelings of stress (57%), anxiety (49%) and being overwhelmed (40%) when faced with money worries.
The research, commissioned by the GroceryAid charity for Mental Health Awareness Week this week (11-17 May), found the pressure has, at times, impacted relationships with friends and family (30%), and that one in seven (14%) respondents were unable to enjoy leisure time due to daily money stress.
GroceryAid provides relief in tough times for grocery workers and their families by offering free and confidential financial, emotional and practical support.
Kieran Hemsworth, CEO, said: “Sometimes the biggest step is reaching out for help, but ‘finance-xiety’ shouldn’t be a taboo. Financial worries don’t just affect your bank balance - they can have a real impact on your mental health too, with 63% of respondents saying that financial worries affect their mental health more than anything else in their life.
“No one should feel they have to struggle alone. There is support available, and speaking up sooner can make a huge difference, both financially and emotionally. Last year we provided £4.6m in financial grants to help everyone from supermarket workers to delivery drivers and warehouse operators make ends meet. It’s not a handout - it’s the help they’ve earned.”
The research found that 21% have applied for financial support such as a grant, to ease the load, and 32% have considered it. However, 25% said they hadn’t applied for one and “would never do this,” showing the stigma runs deep.
Many simply were not aware of the support available for those facing financial challenges (42%).
More postively, once they’d received support, 29% of those aked said it made them feel more in control of their situation, it improved their mental wellbeing (29%) and reduced issues at home (31%).
Others said it increased their sense of stability and security (26%), gave them greater confidence in day-to-day life (33%) and improved their relationships (21%). A significant 88% agreed that receiving financial support can be a lifeline for people.
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