Cost of Living Crisis: Benefits Better?

Many people have suggested that due to the cost of living crisis, they may be better off becoming unemployed and claiming benefits. However, they couldn’t be more wrong.

During this current cost of living crisis and the economic climate, the worst thing you could do is stay at home doing nothing if you are able to work. 

Right now is the perfect time to try and increase your self worth and try to advance your career. This can be done with our CPD courses which cover a wide range of topics which can help you stand out from the crowd and boost your CV, ready for 2023. 

Another reason why we wouldn’t suggest not working at all is perhaps the most important reason, the lack of social interaction. Social interaction is key for mental health which more than ever, is incredibly important to look after right now. Getting out and socialising with other adults does you a world of good and also gives you a good sense of purpose. That’s why we recommend possibly the most sociable and rewarding jobs out there – working in the security industry.

Here are 5 great tips you can do to help boost your mental health. 

Cost of living increase – Start earning in security as a side hustle

As the worst cost of living crisis in a century unfolds, we look at what you can do to budget this winter.

1. Cost of living increases soar in the UK, with inflation over 10% in July

2. Cap on energy bills increases from £1,971 to £3,549 for an annual bill

3. The choice between heating and eating for many as a quarter of households choose to keep heating turned off this winter

The 2022 summer will be remembered for the country’s heat waves and the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations. But as Brits celebrated in the sunshine and tried to stay cool, many knew that desperate times are on their way soon. 

A glorious summer is likely to lead to a winter of hardship for millions

Let’s face it; things were always going to be an issue following the pandemic, with supply chain disruptions leading to increased prices. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has had serious global repercussions on the cost and supply of oil and gas. 

Prices at the pump are up to record highs

Price rises have already hit shoppers hard this summer as Brits face steep increases in shops and petrol pumps. In June 2020, petrol was around 110p per litre, but it hit record highs in Jul 2022 at over 191p per litre. And a double whammy is hitting mortgage customers. As inflation rates of over 10% on essential goods such as bread, cereal, milk, eggs, and cheese hits shoppers, to combat this, the Bank of England has increased the base rate from 0.5% to 1.75%, further increasing mortgage bills. And this could also filter down to rent payers. 

Wherever you look, prices are going up. 

However, the worst cost-of-living crisis in a century is about to unfold. Now it’s time for the war in Ukraine to be felt worldwide, and not just Ukrainians will suffer this winter. The price of being energy reliant on Russia is proving to be a costly lesson, likely to have an unknown death toll on vulnerable Brits and other Europeans this winter. 

Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine will be felt hard by all Europeans this winter

On Aug 26, Ofgem announced a price cap which effectively increases bills by 80%, taking an average bill from £1,971 to £3,549. With Johnson on his way out, no real government help is being promised to millions being forced into more poverty and heartbreaking choices.  

Of 2000 people surveyed, around one in three adults with children said they will simply not turn on the heating. One in ten said they would take out a loan, with many more expected to pay bills by using credit cards. 

And in a recent AGE UK survey, 94% of elderly people were worried about energy bills and many feared for the future and their daily lives. 

Rising Energy bills are a major concern for the elderly 

So what can you do? 

Let’s hope that the eventual new Prime Minister will help millions of Brits, especially those on benefits and the elderly. In the meantime, here are a few ideas that may help you budget over the coming winter. 

Reduce expenditure

As suggested, many households simply do not have the money to pay these bills and will try to avoid turning on the heat where possible. Warmer clothes with plenty of layers and onesies seem to be a no-brainer for Brits this winter. And it may be more cost-effective to head into the office rather than work at home. 

You should also take advantage of some of our energy-saving tips, many of which don’t require any outlay. Some are just a case of swapping a bath for a shower once a week or being savvier in using home appliances such as your washing machine, dishwasher and kettle. 

Many people may choose to house elderly relatives for the coldest months of the year in an effort to keep everyone warm. And if you are helping elderly relatives — let them help you! Anyone aged 70 or above may know something about cooking on a shoestring with economy ingredients since UK rationing did not end until 1954. You don’t have to start cooking with Spam! Tasty recipes with less meat or cheaper cuts and more vegetables and carbs include classic favourites such as Cottage Pie, Toad in the Hole and Spaghetti Bolognese.

Meals on a budget can still be super tasty!

With petrol prices so high, you might also decide that selling a family car is the only way to get through the winter. 

All of these options can reduce your expenditure and may be useful to you depending on your situation and dependants. 

But what if you could increase your income? 

It can be terrifying when you hear about price hikes of over £1,500 (from £1,971 to £3,549), but let’s break that down. It comes to £125 per month for an average family. Most energy companies help their customers spread the cost over the year, so if you use some energy-saving tips, you might be looking at a shortfall of around £100 per month.  

If you could pick up a little extra money each month, even if it were just £100-200 per month, this could also be a way to make ends meet. 

Security is the perfect job to help tide you over this crisis. It’s ideal since it’s easy to enter, and you can easily work a shift around a more traditional weekday of 9-5 hours. 

Many security workers were laid off during the pandemic and did not renew their licences. That means there is now an abundance of positions in security outside pubs, clubs and bars, retail outlets, and shopping centres. 

To get a job in security, you must take a course and then gain your licence. The cost of the door supervisor course starts at £219.99, and the licence costs £184. The course takes just six days to complete, and then the licence takes about six weeks to come through. This course allows you to work in positions where alcohol is consumed and where it isn’t and gives you the greatest flexibility. You are then ready to get a job. Simply download the Get Licensed app to access the latest vacancies and get your first shift. 

The extra wage is sure to help you find the cash you need to pay energy and other bills. 

A side hustle at the weekend could be the perfect way to help pay rising bills

Not only is any security job a handy side hustle in these times, but retail security jobs are also particularly highly prized. That’s because, after only a few weeks of working for some of the retail giants such as Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, you will be able to access a 10-50% discount or more on a range of goods from food to mobile services as well as home, pet or car insurance and much more. Many retailers offer a second discount card so that someone else registered within your household can do a discounted shop while you are busy working your shift. 

If you are interested in using security as a second job to help you through the crisis this winter, take a look at our YouTube video and sign up for a local course today.