Nearly a third in southwest struggle to afford basic hygiene products
New research indicates that nearly a third of people in the southwest of England cannot afford basic hygiene products, impacting their job prospects.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
New research reveals that nearly a third of people in the southwest of England have struggled to afford basic hygiene products such as deodorant, body wash, toothpaste and period products. The findings, highlighted by an installation at a busy railway station, show that this so-called 'hygiene poverty' is having a direct impact on people's job prospects. Mannequins were used to represent missed career opportunities, with almost two-fifths of those affected saying they have delayed or missed a job opportunity because they could not afford these everyday essentials. Around two in five people in hygiene poverty worry that their personal hygiene will cost them their job or hold them back at work. The campaign, supported by former Apprentice winner Karisma Vijay, aims to raise awareness and encourage donations. Charities like the Hygiene Bank warn that many people are too embarrassed to ask for help, even though choosing between food, bills and basic toiletries is an everyday reality for many.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| Around two in five people in hygiene poverty worry their personal hygiene will cost them their job or hold them back in their career. | |
| Nearly a third of people in the southwest have struggled to afford basic hygiene products at some point in their life. | |
| Nearly two-fifths of those in hygiene poverty have delayed or missed a career opportunity because they could not afford hygiene items. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The report focuses on the human and emotional impact of hygiene poverty, using a visual installation at a railway station to illustrate missed job opportunities. It includes a personal story from former Apprentice winner Karisma Vijay about her own childhood experience, and highlights the embarrassment that prevents people from seeking help. The tone is sympathetic and aims to raise awareness.
- “It does seem ridiculous that a bar of soap is out of reach for millions of people and it's true that it is but I think what I'd encourage people to do is to think about that basket of goods.”
- “I have an early memory of us getting happy meals for dinner because they were £1.99 at the time and we would take home a bunch of tissues and that would be so that we just have extra tissues at home for whether it's you know cleaning or the toilet or whatever.”
- “It's scary because it can happen to any of us.”
Broadcast Timeline
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