One in three Brits (34%) are living from paycheque to paycheque – and 41% fear they would get into debt if they were to lose their job today.
Food (47%) and utilities (56%) are among the top things workers think they would not be able to afford if they were made unemployed – with 24% saying they would need to visit a food bank.
The poll of 2,000 employed adults revealed that over half (53%) fear having to ask for help with money – but 43% believe they would have to sign up for Universal Credit.
And a quarter reckon they would not have enough money to spare beyond the basic necessities.
The research also found that workers are already restricting their phone use – with 10% of those, on household incomes of up to £25,000, no longer calling or texting their loved ones.
And one in 10 are limiting their mobile data – although many rely on this data to carry out important life admin, including paying bills (35%), managing direct debits (31%), and booking medical appointments (21%).
And 70% of this group admitted they don’t know what they’d do if they couldn’t access the internet, with 38% relying on their handset to get online.
The research was commissioned by Virgin Media O2, which has announced the opening of the UK’s 1,000th Databank Hub, in partnership with digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation – giving free mobile data, texts, and calls to those in need.
Nicola Green, from Virgin Media O2, said: “The research shows that many are worried about experiencing serious financial hardship, and even becoming homeless.
“That's why we're stepping up our support to help people in need stay connected and to get online.
“With the National Databank in more places than ever before, those who need it can get free O2 data, texts, and calls to access essential websites, to study and learn from home, and to keep in touch with friends and family.”
The research also found four in 10 polled, via OnePoll.com, admitted they previously had an “it won’t happen to me” attitude about serious hardship – but it now feels like it could become a reality.
And one in 10 believe they’d need to visit a databank if they lost their job, to get a SIM card and vouchers for free mobile data, texts, and calls – with almost a fifth keen to find out more about how the initiative can help them.
Helen Milner OBE, group chief executive of Good Things Foundation, and founder of the National Databank, said: “This new research shows just how essential mobile data access is, supported by the testimony of the National Digital Inclusion Network Hubs helping communities on the frontline.
“By reaching the important milestone of opening the 1,000th National Databank Hub – against the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis – Good Things Foundation’s National Databank combined offer of devices, data, and digital skills support, is already helping to reduce the digital divide.
“But with two million households still struggling to afford internet access in the UK today, and 10 million adults lacking the most basic digital skills, collectively we all need to do more to help the most vulnerable people in our society connect with digital.”
Television personality, Gail Porter, has teamed up with the phone provider and charity after she experienced homelessness herself.
Visiting one of the National Databank Hubs in Sheffield, Gail said: “This is an incredible initiative for providing free mobile data to people who need it most.
“It’s a service that would have helped me to get off the streets more quickly when I was homeless. You can’t underestimate the power of being connected and being able to access important services and information on your phone.”
