Survey Reveals Rising Hygiene Poverty Among UK Students

A recent survey of 500 UK school staff reveals a troubling rise in 'hygiene poverty,' with 80% of educators observing an increase in pupils arriving at school in dirty clothes, unwashed hair, and unbrushed teeth over the past year. Nearly 30% of staff reported that children have missed school due to shame related to their hygiene conditions. The survey indicates that the situation is expected to worsen, with significant impacts on students' self-esteem and social interactions. School staff have taken it upon themselves to provide assistance, spending an average of £27 each out of pocket to support students in need, contributing to an estimated £40 million in total aid. The Hygiene Bank and cleaning brand smol have launched a campaign urging the government to address this 'silent crisis' in its upcoming Child Poverty Strategy. Ruth Brock, CEO of The Hygiene Bank, highlighted the heartbreaking reality of children missing out on education due to their families' inability to afford basic hygiene needs.