Many people feel increased pressure on their finances following the festive period.
This affects people both in and out of work, including those experiencing changes to household income or rising day-to-day costs.
Rising living costs and ongoing cost of living pressures mean that many working households, including NHS staff, are struggling to cover everyday essentials such as energy, food and housing.
Lyndsay McDonald, Health Improvement Senior, said: “Many people assume poverty only affects those who are out of work, but the reality is very different.
“A large number of people in employment are struggling financially, particularly those on lower incomes, working part-time hours or balancing insecure work.
“These pressures can be compounded by rising living costs and can have a significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing.
“Evidence from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s Poverty in Scotland 2025 report shows that six in ten people living in poverty are in households where someone is in work, and around three quarters of children in poverty also live in working households.
“This highlights that in-work poverty is a reality for many families, and it is important to recognise that our own NHS Lanarkshire staff may also be impacted by financial pressures at this time of year.”
Financial support you may be entitled to
Some people who are working may still be eligible for financial support, including Universal Credit, which can help with living and housing costs.
There is also support available for some health conditions through schemes such as Access to Work. Eligibility depends on income, hours worked and personal circumstances, with benefits designed to top up low pay rather than being limited to those who are out of work.
Support is available through the local authority Financial Support Teams, who can offer personalised benefits checks, money advice and debt advice.
South Lanarkshire residents
- Complete the online form via the Money Matters Advice Service – South Lanarkshire Council
- Or call 0300 029 0041
North Lanarkshire residents
- Email TPTeam@northlan.gov.uk
- Or call 01698 332551
Further information on staff support is available on the Staff Support and Wellbeing webpage: https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/staff-support-and-wellbeing/
Over the coming weeks, the NHS Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Team will share more information via the Staff Briefing on support available to help reduce the impact of cost of living pressures.
