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'Missing unemployed' at risk of becoming Britain's next generation of hidden poor
Immediate Release: 12 August 2009

Leading grant-giving charity Elizabeth Finn Care is calling on the Government to remember the ‘missing unemployed’ and help them to avoid becoming Britain’s next generation of hidden poor.

As revealed today (Wednesday, 12th August, 2009), three quarters of a million people who have lost their jobs during the recession have not appeared in official welfare statistics and, it’s feared, are not claiming the benefits they are entitled to.

Shockingly, although 281,000 people became unemployed last month, just 23,000 were added to the number of people claiming benefits – less than 10%. It’s feared that white collar workers – badly hit in the recession - are most likely to not be claiming the benefits they are entitled to, instead living off redundancy payments, savings, overdrafts or credit cards whilst seeking out employment.

Latest figures show that 30% of 16 and 17 year old school leavers are now unemployed. In response, the Government has launched the ‘Youth Fight for Jobs Campaign’ amid concerns that a generation of young people may become ‘lost to work’.

Elizabeth Finn Care’s Director of Case Work, Bryan Clover, says, “Whilst it is obviously necessary and admirable that the Government is targeting youth unemployment, Ministers must not forget that there is an army of middle aged, middle class, white collar workers who have been left jobless by this recession. Without help and support to make sure that they are claiming the correct benefits whilst attempting to get back into work, they risk becoming our nation’s next generation of ‘hidden poor’.

Unfortunately, we are not surprised by today’s figures. Although we continue to be exceedingly busy helping people in financial need, we are aware that we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. Our research and experience shows that people will live on redundancy payments, savings and help from friends and family for two years before seeking out our help, often building up significant debts in the process. If this trend continues, and people in need of our help have the added burden of not claiming the correct benefits during this time, this period will become even more difficult.”

Embarrassment and just not knowing where to turn can be a major factor in accessing benefits, especially if you have never attempted to do so before. If you are not sure what you’re entitled to, visit our free, confidential benefits checker at www.turn2us.org.uk”


For information, photographs and interviews, please contact our Media Team.
Notes to Editors:
  • Elizabeth Finn Care is a charity that supports people struggling to cope with sudden or unexpected changes in their circumstances.
  • Elizabeth Finn Care provides one-off and ongoing financial help, tailored to individual circumstances, as well as emotional support through our experienced caseworkers and national volunteer network.
  • People who seek help from Elizabeth Finn Care are coping with unexpected changes in their life and the resulting financial hardship, typically due to ill health, disability or marital breakdown.
  • Since mid 2008, we are increasingly helping people who are struggling financially after redundancy.
  • 75% of people who seek help from Elizabeth Finn Care have some level of mental health problems.
  • Since Elizabeth Finn Care was founded, we have given £130,000,000 to those in need.

About Turn2us

  • Turn2us exists to help people access the money available to them – through benefits, grants and other financial help. Its free, accessible website – www.turn2us.org.uk – is a comprehensive and invaluable resource designed to help people find appropriate sources of financial support, quickly and easily, based on their particular needs and circumstances.
  • Turn2us was founded and is funded by Elizabeth Finn Care