Nearly four in five, or 78%, of low-paid workers said the current cost-of-living crisis is the most difficult financial period they have ever faced, according to new research by the Living Wage Foundation.
Some 56% of the 2,000 workers surveyed admitted they have used a food bank in the last year, with many visiting often.
Living Wage Foundation also revealed that 42% of the lowest-paid workers regularly skip meals, while 32% of them claim to be unable to heat their homes amid financial woes.
Research showed 24% of the roughly 4.8mln low-paid workers took out a payday loan to cover living essentials.
Katherine Chapman, Living Wage Foundation director, commented: “Everyone is feeling the pressure from soaring inflation but our polling shows that low-paid workers are being hit harder than most.
“These shocking findings bring to life what it’s like to be paid less than a real living wage during a cost-of-living crisis.
“It’s more important than ever that those employers who can, step up and provide a wage based on the cost of living, joining over 11,000 Living Wage employers across the UK.”
Next week, the Foundation will unveil new rates for the voluntary Real Living Wage, which is greater than the minimum rate.
They are currently £11.05 an hour in London and £9.90 outside the capital, compared with the statutory adult rate of £9.50.