UK poverty

How comfortable are you with poverty in the UK?

Oxfam’s very uncomfortable that in a rich country, 1 in 5 people don’t have enough to live on.

Many people can’t afford essential clothing – or to heat their homes. Children go to school hungry, or to bed without enough food. It’s no coincidence that poor communities are in poorer health – and have shorter life expectancy.

It’s not just outrageous – it’s unnecessary. With enough public pressure for change – and enough political will – our politicians can put this right.

Oxfam is doing whatever it takes to end poverty in the UK. Find out more and see what you can do to help us.

These pages on poverty in the UK provide in-depth information on Oxfam's work in the UK for those already involved with Oxfam projects, partner organisations, other development workers, and people who simply want to know more.

Oxfam's work in the UK explains our work on income security, protection for asylum-seekers, gender and race equality, public attitudes to poverty, and giving people living in poverty a voice.

Poverty in the UK provides facts and background information about the nature of poverty in the UK.

The Resources section contains publications, policy papers, and toolkits for practitioners on all aspects of our work.