Survey by UK’s largest social landlord finds employment rising, but deep-rooted barriers still holding residents back
A new survey of social housing residents by the UK’s largest social landlord, Clarion Housing Group, reveals that while more people are now in work, long-term health conditions, caring responsibilities and the cost of childcare continue to hold many back from achieving financial security.
Published during Clarion’s 125th anniversary year, the latest Clarion Index survey – based on feedback from more than 2,000 residents – shows the proportion of working-age residents in employment has increased to 56%, up from 50% last year, marking the first improvement since the pandemic. However, working- age unemployment stands at 15% - three times the national average, with almost one in five working-age residents not working due to illness or disability.
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The Index shows that two-thirds (66%) of residents not in work cite poor health or disability as the main barrier, followed by caring responsibilities (20%) and the cost or availability of childcare (6%). Among those already in work but wanting to do more, around a quarter (22%) say family commitments, including childcare reasons, prevent them from increasing their hours.
Despite ongoing pressures, there are tentative signs that some residents are beginning to regain financial stability. The proportion of households in a financially precarious position has fallen to 50% from 58% last year, while fewer residents reported struggling with food and energy costs.
The findings come after the removal of the two-child benefit limit and a rise in the National Living Wage which are changes that will provide welcome relief for many families but, as the Index shows, will not by themselves remove the barriers preventing people from moving into and progressing within work.
Clare Miller, Chief Executive of Clarion Housing Group, said:
“This year’s Clarion Index shows signs of progress as households begin to recover from recent economic pressures, but it also highlights the deep-rooted structural barriers that continue to prevent many from thriving, alongside the ongoing cost of living pressures that are still straining household budgets.
“The Budget’s removal of the two-child limit and the rise in the National Living Wage are positive steps that will make a real difference for struggling families, but deeper reform is needed to tackle the causes of poverty and open up opportunity.”
“While it’s encouraging to see an improved outlook for many of our residents, we know there is more to do. We look forward to continuing to work with partners and policymakers to help residents build better lives and strengthen communities across the country.”
The Government’s recently published Keep Britain Working Review identifies ill-health, disability and caring responsibilities as key drivers of economic inactivity and calls for a more joined-up approach across employers, health services, and community organisations. Clarion will continue to play its part in this collective effort, working with partners to help ensure national reforms translate into meaningful support for the residents and communities we serve.
Meanwhile, Clarion Futures, the Group’s charitable foundation, continues to play a key role in supporting residents into work and improving financial resilience. In the past year, its Jobs and Training team helped 1,724 residents into employment, including 73 new businesses, while its Money Guidance team supported over 4,000 residents with debt and budgeting advice.
Kate Still, Chief Customer Officer at Clarion Housing Group, said:
“Behind every statistic are real families trying to get ahead but being held back by circumstances beyond their control.
“Through our frontline services and extensive community investment, we’re providing practical, personalised support to our residents while working with them to create places they are proud to call home and where they feel they have a real stake in shaping the future.
“While this year’s findings show progress, we know challenges remain, and we’ll keep working alongside residents to overcome them together.”
The Clarion Index also highlights wider improvements in wellbeing and community connection. 84% of residents are satisfied with their neighbourhoods and 86% say they feel they belong where they live. Feelings of safety have improved, rising to 79%, while the proportion of residents volunteering has increased after years of decline.
The annual resident survey remains one of the most comprehensive studies of life in social housing. Its insights build on Clarion’s recently published Five New Giants of Opportunity report, which revisits the spirit of the original Beveridge Report by identifying five new “giants” that must be tackled to create a fairer society. Among them are health and connectedness - themes echoed throughout this year’s Clarion Index – and highlights the importance of good health, strong communities and secure, affordable homes in enabling people to thrive for decades to come.