Over a quarter of young adults in Wales borrowed money to pay bills during pandemic
Under 30s have been hit financially since the start of the pandemic
Last updated 6th Dec 2021
More than one in four young adults in Wales have had to borrow money to pay bills since the start of the pandemic, a new survey revealed.
The Salvation Army said that 27% of adults under 30 in Wales have borrowed money despite more than half being in full-time jobs.
The survey found that many live hand to mouth with those in work just as likely as the unemployed to say they need charity support.
One in four are also behind with their rent or mortgage and the charity is warning that with the rise in the cost of living, many young people could face homelessness as Christmas draws near.
Meanwhile, 15% of adults under 30 in Wales say they will have to rely on charity support this Christmas.
The charity still provides its 'pandemic services' to areas in need
Major Chris Davidson, leader of The Salvation Army's church in Rhyl, said he regularly hears reports which say the town is one of the most deprived places in the UK.
He also said The Salvation Army is working to meet the continuing needs of the community.
"During the first lockdown, we worked with the council's team helping to house the homeless. We stored lots of furniture and provided food parcels and other essential household items many of the people we helped were adults under 30 years of age," he added.
Although restrictions are easing, Major Davidson and his team are still providing food parcels, gas and electric top-ups, furniture and household items.
He added: "We work alongside many of the groups in Rhyl, and have a drop-in for the homeless on a Friday morning, working with the council.
"The setting up of employment support and advice in our building has helped greatly, and the building is growing into a community hub, where people can come and find help from various experts and we can provide a listening ear if needed."
The research also showed that since the start of the pandemic 19% had delayed paying other bills and 6% visited a food bank.
Under 30s more likely to be in "low-paid, low-security jobs"
Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures and research from Think Tank, Demos show that under 30s adults are more likely to be in low-paid, low-security jobs with more of their income going on housing.
They're also more likely to have suffered financially due to the pandemic as a higher proportion worked in industries that shut down or put furloughed staff on reduced wages.
The Salvation Army's Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant said: "Christmas should be a time of joy, but there will be no Christmas cheer for those young people who are struggling to make ends meet and worried about how much longer they can keep a roof over their head.
"Our doors will be open every day over the festive period to support the thousands in crisis with food, warm clothes, emergency shelter and Christmas presents for their children.
"We are seeing young people who have jobs but still struggle to make ends meet and have to rely on our food banks and other support we give to vulnerable families.
"Now the rise in the cost of living will eat up even more of their income, and they could fall deeper into debt and poverty and start the new year facing homelessness."
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.