The report published on Wednesday by an African
communications service community disclosed that many African residents in the
UK suffer to afford basic needs such as food, housing and energy.
This has forced the African Diasporan community to seek
financial support as the report said inflation upsets the economy.
With over 1,000 Africans surveyed, Robert Ekat, Lead
Researcher, at BHM said, “The findings reveal the stark reality of the
financial struggles faced by this community, with job security and monthly
bills being the top concerns”.
“This report is critical as it highlights the impact of the
cost of living crisis on African immigrants. It is a deliberately qualitative
report with factual data to help us comprehend the practical impact of rising
costs on individuals and communities,” adds BHM Founder, Ayeni Adekunle.
“It ultimately adds to the existing body of research on the
impact of the cost of living crisis on different communities in the UK and we
are enthusiastic that researchers, policymakers, and organisations will find
the data useful in developing future policies and actions for the betterment of
the African community.”
The report further said, “Almost 60% of those surveyed have
turned to family for financial support in recent times, while 44.5% admit to
borrowing to pay for everyday needs. As the crisis bites deeper, several
participants say they have had to cut down on essentials to survive.”
According to the report, at least 28% of respondents in the
African expatriate community say they struggle to afford gas monthly, 69.4%
plan to reduce the use of power, and 47% of participants have had to miss meals
so they could pay bills.
The emigration of Africans to the UK has seen an enormous
rise over the past year. According to the University of Oxford’s Migration
Observatory, net migration was unusually high in 2022 as rises in temporary
work and study migration post-pandemic have contributed to the surge.
Despite significant contributions to the UK economy, the
report showed that 84% of the respondents in the African immigrant community do
not claim any form of financial support from the UK government. This is a clear
contrast compared to other groups like citizens of the EU, European Economic
Area (EEA), Switzerland and the UK who have access to benefits like Universal
Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to
name a few.
About 48% of respondents revealed they feel worse off than
they were a year ago. The African community’s experiences revolve around
critical challenges and concerns including lack of job security, unaffordable
housing, and mounting debt.
Since the start of the pandemic, at least 25% of respondents
have had to opt out of their workplace pension, risking retirement security.
The grim situation has necessitated an urgent need for attention, which has
informed BHM UK’s research.
Back home in their native countries, many African diasporans
are pressured by the black tax.
According to the report, Aishat, a 36-year-old store
manager, said, “I am worried that after a while, I won’t be able to send money
back home to my family and take care of my most mundane needs.”
Over 77% of participants in the report revealed family and
friends expect some support, thereby intensifying the desperation for survival.
This was reflected in the admittance by almost 59% of respondents that the
current economic situation in the UK is affecting their mental and physical
health.
Enitan Kehinde, General Manager, BHM UK, said, “We are
delighted to inform public discourse and help raise awareness about the
economic and psychological issues facing Africans in the UK. This is necessary
for us to demonstrate increased understanding, empathy and support for these individuals
and communities and to inspire practicable solutions.”
With many Africans seeking to migrate to the UK in the
coming months, BHM UK’s report on the cost of living crisis critically expounds
on the experiences of African expatriates and the interventions to embark upon,
especially by government and organisations targeted at the African community.
It’s important for the UK to provide some support to
Africans. “Apart from school fees paid by immigrants to British schools, the UK
gains from Visa Fees, NHS payments, Rent, Economic productivity, Income taxes,
etc.,” a report by SBM Intelligence, an Africa-focused geopolitical research
and strategic communications firm states.
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