Three million UK households are now skipping meals due to escalating cost of living pressures, according to new research from consumer group Which?.
Consumer Confidence Plummets
Consumer confidence has plummeted to -62 in April, the lowest level since the height of the cost of living crisis in 2022. The vast majority of UK adults (71%) believe the economy will worsen over the next 12 months.
An overwhelming 85% of adults are now worried about food prices, up from 83% in February. Two thirds of households have made adjustments to their shopping habits, with many buying cheaper products and supermarket own-brand items.
Concerningly, one in seven households are going without some foods entirely. One in ten households - equivalent to three million families - are now skipping meals to keep costs down.
Fuel Prices Add to Strain
Fuel prices are also causing major concern, with 83% of adults worried about rising costs. Over two thirds have adjusted their driving habits, with many making fewer leisure trips and visiting friends and family less frequently.
Calls for Urgent Action
Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy Rocio Concha said: "Our latest research highlights the deepening strain not only on household finances, but also on people's physical and social wellbeing as cost of living pressures bite."
Which? is calling for urgent policy interventions, including reforms to the Healthy Start scheme to help struggling families afford a healthy diet.
