Quarter of registered homeless in the South East in full or part-time work
That's according to research by the Salvation Army between April 2023 and May 2024
Tens of thousands of working people in the UK are expected to be homeless this Christmas despite having a job, some even sleeping in cardboard boxes, tents, and cars, according to new research by The Salvation Army.
In the South East more than a quarter of those registered as homeless between April 2023 and May 2024 are in full or part-time work.
Tasmin Matiland runs the day centre Catching Lives in Canterbury.
She tells us "we're seeing more people who are homeless in all forms, and that includes people who are currently working or are looking for work.
To hold down a job when you don't have access to hot water or a bathroom, trying to get ready for work when you've been sleeping in a tent, is really difficult."
Over the weekend, the environment agency issued flood alerts in parts of Kent as Storm Darragh brought 50mph winds to the county.
Tasmin told Greatest Hits Radio, people had to "take their chances" as there was no emergency accommodation set up.
She added "We're hearing a lot of people coming into the day centre saying it was so windy, it was so wet, my tent's been damaged, I couldn't get dry and get to sleep.
We're seeing lots of tired and stressed people coming in because of the weather."
The Salvation Army used the latest Government figures in the four UK nations to reveal, from April 2023 to March 2024, 56,242 workers in the UK were registered as homeless.
32,138 were in full-time employment and 24,104 working part-time.
The Salvation Army points out that these figures are likely an underestimate as not everyone in this situation registers with their local authority.
Moreover, only the employment status of the main applicant in a household is recorded.
The Salvation Army charity are calling for the Government to help people on low wages afford somewhere to live by raising housing benefits so they are in line with inflation.
The Salvation Army's Director of Homelessness Services, Nick Redmore, said: “Someone with a job becomes homeless the equivalent of every ten minutes.
"The person delivering your Christmas shopping, making your gingerbread latte, or cleaning up after your office Christmas party may not have a proper home to go to when they clock off.
“Our findings shatter the assumption that all anyone who is homeless needs to do is just get a job.
"Sky-high rents and mortgage rates combined with the rising cost of living, plus long waiting lists for council housing, mean a salary doesn’t guarantee a home.
"With homelessness continuing to rise, the Government’s planned investment in prevention and social housing is much needed.
"However, the decision to freeze the Local Housing Allowance is a huge financial blow to people on low incomes and already struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
“We have helped working men and women of all ages who were sleeping in cardboard boxes, tents and cars or sofa-surfing while trying to hold down a job. We pray that 2025 will be the year the Government ends homelessness for good," says Mr Redmore.
If you know someone who is homeless or you have become homeless yourself, visit the Street Support website to notify local organisations who will be able to help.
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