What is the real 'Cost of Working?'

We're looking into the 'Cost of Working' across the UK. Finding out what emotional and financial impact it can have.

Firstly we're focussing on the impact returning to work can have on individuals, particulalry new mothers.

North Yorkshire mum, Danielle Cooper is self-employed, running a pottery shop. This means she's not entitled to statutory maternity pay.

She's telling us how she had to return to work four weeks after giving birth, because she couldn't afford not to,

Danielle is entitled to a 'maternity allowance, but says it's not enough.

We've also been looking at the extra financial expenses people may incur, if they're heading back to the office more often.

A recent survey by the KPMG of CEO's of companies around the world found that 64% of them (with 63% of those in the UK), predicting that by 2026, there'll be a full return to in-office working.

This is at a time when petrol prices have remained high, and the cost of public transport continues to rise.

Rail fares continue to go up as well - with an increase of 5.7% in March 2023.

We've being looking at season ticket prices too and for example the cost of one for Selby to Leeds, on Northern Trains services only, currently costs £1,456. In 2019, it was £1,272.

A Government statement says:

“The cost of living payments have provided a significant financial boost to millions of households - just one part of the record £94 billion support package we have provided to help with the rising cost of bills.

“This includes an increase to the National Living Wage, the biggest ever expansion of free childcare for working parents worth an average £6,500 a year for a working family. We’re also investing £3.5 billion to help thousands into jobs – the best way to secure financial security in the long-term.

All this week we're exploring the cost of working and how it can be expensive to have a job - you can read about part one of our series here

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