Rachelle Earwaker
@rachelleearwaker.bsky.social
Economist and Kiwi in London.
Likely yapping about housing and the absolute state of things.
Likely yapping about housing and the absolute state of things.
Pinned
Our latest @jrf-uk.bsky.social COL survey is out & it's a dire picture for living standards.
We find ZERO CHANGE since May 24 in low income families going without essentials & being in arrears.
We project this group will be £440 p/y worse off in Oct 29 after housing costs, compared to now.
🧵1/x
We find ZERO CHANGE since May 24 in low income families going without essentials & being in arrears.
We project this group will be £440 p/y worse off in Oct 29 after housing costs, compared to now.
🧵1/x
Today's immigration white paper has been gutting to hear about. "An island of strangers" is such not the kind of language we should be hearing from the PM. It doesn't treat anyone with dignity, and some of the proposals raise big qs for sectors like care.
May 12, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Today's immigration white paper has been gutting to hear about. "An island of strangers" is such not the kind of language we should be hearing from the PM. It doesn't treat anyone with dignity, and some of the proposals raise big qs for sectors like care.
I can't think of anything else in the last 4 years that could have possibly meant weak economic growth.
May 12, 2025 at 3:38 PM
I can't think of anything else in the last 4 years that could have possibly meant weak economic growth.
Reposted by Rachelle Earwaker
Today bills go up.
@jrf-uk.bsky.social October cost of living tracker found 60% of low income families had gone without essentials in the previous 6 months - a figure barely changed in 2.5 years.
This increased to 88% where a family receives disability benefits.
And that’s before the cuts
@jrf-uk.bsky.social October cost of living tracker found 60% of low income families had gone without essentials in the previous 6 months - a figure barely changed in 2.5 years.
This increased to 88% where a family receives disability benefits.
And that’s before the cuts
April 1, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Today bills go up.
@jrf-uk.bsky.social October cost of living tracker found 60% of low income families had gone without essentials in the previous 6 months - a figure barely changed in 2.5 years.
This increased to 88% where a family receives disability benefits.
And that’s before the cuts
@jrf-uk.bsky.social October cost of living tracker found 60% of low income families had gone without essentials in the previous 6 months - a figure barely changed in 2.5 years.
This increased to 88% where a family receives disability benefits.
And that’s before the cuts
Reposted by Rachelle Earwaker
Extraordinary story just published in @thetimes.com
And one that rather gives the lie to the idea that the Government’s cuts to disability benefits is driven by a moral mission about work. It’s about fiscal rules…
www.thetimes.com/article/f80d...
And one that rather gives the lie to the idea that the Government’s cuts to disability benefits is driven by a moral mission about work. It’s about fiscal rules…
www.thetimes.com/article/f80d...
Rachel Reeves to announce further benefit cuts
Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, was forced to seek further cuts after the Office for Budget Responsibility rejected her welfare savings estimate
www.thetimes.com
March 25, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Extraordinary story just published in @thetimes.com
And one that rather gives the lie to the idea that the Government’s cuts to disability benefits is driven by a moral mission about work. It’s about fiscal rules…
www.thetimes.com/article/f80d...
And one that rather gives the lie to the idea that the Government’s cuts to disability benefits is driven by a moral mission about work. It’s about fiscal rules…
www.thetimes.com/article/f80d...
Reposted by Rachelle Earwaker
Yesterday's welfare announcements have very concentrated impacts for individuals who lose eligibility (and some gains for others). Case studies just published - only the government knows how many people will suffer £9k losses. Shouldn't they tell us?
March 19, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Yesterday's welfare announcements have very concentrated impacts for individuals who lose eligibility (and some gains for others). Case studies just published - only the government knows how many people will suffer £9k losses. Shouldn't they tell us?
Reposted by Rachelle Earwaker
The government’s proposal in the health and disability green paper that people should have to be awarded 4 points for one of the daily living activities in order to receive PIP is absolutely mad. Thousands of disabled people will be thrown off PIP and pushed even further into poverty.
March 18, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The government’s proposal in the health and disability green paper that people should have to be awarded 4 points for one of the daily living activities in order to receive PIP is absolutely mad. Thousands of disabled people will be thrown off PIP and pushed even further into poverty.
Reposted by Rachelle Earwaker
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall's speech today laid out plans to cut disability and sickness benefits by billions.
❌ No truly moral choice would leave disabled people without support designed to allow them to lead a dignified life, or facing hardship. 1/4
❌ No truly moral choice would leave disabled people without support designed to allow them to lead a dignified life, or facing hardship. 1/4
Liz Kendall unveils UK benefits cuts set to leave many sick and disabled worse off
Liz Kendall unveils UK benefits cuts set to leave many sick and disabled worse off
Welfare secretary announces changes aimed at cutting bill by up to £5bn in face of opposition from Labour MPs
* UK politics live – latest updates
Liz Kendall, the welfare secretary, has faced down angry Labour MPs to unveil drastic cuts to the UK’s…
www.theguardian.com
March 18, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall's speech today laid out plans to cut disability and sickness benefits by billions.
❌ No truly moral choice would leave disabled people without support designed to allow them to lead a dignified life, or facing hardship. 1/4
❌ No truly moral choice would leave disabled people without support designed to allow them to lead a dignified life, or facing hardship. 1/4
Cutting support for disabled people completely undermines some of the positive employment support changes proposed by Liz Kendall today.
The govt could have made these positive changes using their tax lever, putting the cost on those with the broadest shoulders, not some of the most vulnerable.
The govt could have made these positive changes using their tax lever, putting the cost on those with the broadest shoulders, not some of the most vulnerable.
March 18, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Cutting support for disabled people completely undermines some of the positive employment support changes proposed by Liz Kendall today.
The govt could have made these positive changes using their tax lever, putting the cost on those with the broadest shoulders, not some of the most vulnerable.
The govt could have made these positive changes using their tax lever, putting the cost on those with the broadest shoulders, not some of the most vulnerable.
Reposted by Rachelle Earwaker
Thanks to @theguardian.com for covering @jrf-uk.bsky.social work (see www.theguardian.com/society/2025...). “A government that came to office pledging to end the moral scar of food bank use clearly should not be taking steps that could leave disabled people at greater risk of needing to use one.”
Keir Starmer to unveil drastic disability benefit cuts despite opposition
Changes could deny benefits to people who need help to wash or to remember to go to the toilet
www.theguardian.com
March 17, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Thanks to @theguardian.com for covering @jrf-uk.bsky.social work (see www.theguardian.com/society/2025...). “A government that came to office pledging to end the moral scar of food bank use clearly should not be taking steps that could leave disabled people at greater risk of needing to use one.”
If these numbers in the Times are correct, these cuts would take a huge amount of money away from severely disabled people, and it’s completely morally indefensible.
Rachel Reeves needs to look to tax to address the fiscal situation, not our disability support.
Rachel Reeves needs to look to tax to address the fiscal situation, not our disability support.
The Times today: £5bn/1m = £5,000/disabled person, i.e. greater than 3 of 4 PIP rates. Unless 1 of 2 numbers in headline is wrong, this has to take money away from severely disabled people on PIP higher rate, as lower rate recipients don't get £5,000/yr. Obscene to consider this!
March 15, 2025 at 11:15 AM
If these numbers in the Times are correct, these cuts would take a huge amount of money away from severely disabled people, and it’s completely morally indefensible.
Rachel Reeves needs to look to tax to address the fiscal situation, not our disability support.
Rachel Reeves needs to look to tax to address the fiscal situation, not our disability support.
Some news! After 5+ years of my dream job @jrf-uk.bsky.social, next week is my last. I think it's rare to really love your job. But having the best colleagues, and getting to work on such important issues everyday has meant I have.
Time to learn new things at the BBC which will be VERY different!
Time to learn new things at the BBC which will be VERY different!
March 14, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Some news! After 5+ years of my dream job @jrf-uk.bsky.social, next week is my last. I think it's rare to really love your job. But having the best colleagues, and getting to work on such important issues everyday has meant I have.
Time to learn new things at the BBC which will be VERY different!
Time to learn new things at the BBC which will be VERY different!
About to enter the wild world of trying to buy the world’s tiniest flat in London - does anyone have any recommendations for housing solicitors? Everyone I’ve talked to so far has only said PLEASE DO NOT USE THE ONE I DID which feels fun and alarming
March 7, 2025 at 5:18 PM
About to enter the wild world of trying to buy the world’s tiniest flat in London - does anyone have any recommendations for housing solicitors? Everyone I’ve talked to so far has only said PLEASE DO NOT USE THE ONE I DID which feels fun and alarming
Reposted by Rachelle Earwaker
1 in 7 workers experience ‘major earnings instability’.
Not having security and stability in earnings can seriously impact your ability to pay your bills and cover expenses. Especially if you don't have savings.
We've funded @resfoundation.bsky.social's report on unstable pay in the UK 🔽 1/3
Not having security and stability in earnings can seriously impact your ability to pay your bills and cover expenses. Especially if you don't have savings.
We've funded @resfoundation.bsky.social's report on unstable pay in the UK 🔽 1/3
March 4, 2025 at 8:57 AM
1 in 7 workers experience ‘major earnings instability’.
Not having security and stability in earnings can seriously impact your ability to pay your bills and cover expenses. Especially if you don't have savings.
We've funded @resfoundation.bsky.social's report on unstable pay in the UK 🔽 1/3
Not having security and stability in earnings can seriously impact your ability to pay your bills and cover expenses. Especially if you don't have savings.
We've funded @resfoundation.bsky.social's report on unstable pay in the UK 🔽 1/3
Really brilliant to have worked with the team on unstable pay as @jrf-uk.bsky.social funded this work.
It helps to fill a huge data gap on month to month volatility of earnings from work - and shows low paid, young, and temporary workers are most likely to experience volatility. Do have a read!
It helps to fill a huge data gap on month to month volatility of earnings from work - and shows low paid, young, and temporary workers are most likely to experience volatility. Do have a read!
🚨 New analysis published today! 🚨
One-in-seven workers experience ‘major earnings instability’ – with pay cheques fluctuating by over a quarter multiple times a year.
Read the latest from @nyecominetti.bsky.social, @mikebrewerecon.bsky.social and Stephen P. Jenkins here ⤵️ buff.ly/o82JiA4
One-in-seven workers experience ‘major earnings instability’ – with pay cheques fluctuating by over a quarter multiple times a year.
Read the latest from @nyecominetti.bsky.social, @mikebrewerecon.bsky.social and Stephen P. Jenkins here ⤵️ buff.ly/o82JiA4
March 4, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Really brilliant to have worked with the team on unstable pay as @jrf-uk.bsky.social funded this work.
It helps to fill a huge data gap on month to month volatility of earnings from work - and shows low paid, young, and temporary workers are most likely to experience volatility. Do have a read!
It helps to fill a huge data gap on month to month volatility of earnings from work - and shows low paid, young, and temporary workers are most likely to experience volatility. Do have a read!
Not to make my workplace sound unserious, but we have a meeting room called “Collabadabadoo”
I wrote about why almost every company has a creative system for naming their office meeting rooms. (All harmless fun until you're getting fired in 'Never Mind the Bollocks')
on.ft.com/4in79pw
on.ft.com/4in79pw
From Death Star to Raccoon Feet: have quirky meeting room names gone too far?
Creative titles are now an inescapable — but not always funny — part of office life
www.ft.com
March 4, 2025 at 6:34 AM
Not to make my workplace sound unserious, but we have a meeting room called “Collabadabadoo”
April is looking v scary with the energy price cap increasing by 6.4%, and a huge suite of other bills about to increase too: water council tax, social rents.
Private rents are also still soaring (up ~9% on last year).
All the while benefits are only increasing by 1.7% and LHA stays frozen
Dire
Private rents are also still soaring (up ~9% on last year).
All the while benefits are only increasing by 1.7% and LHA stays frozen
Dire
Average annual energy bill to rise to £1,849 in Great Britain from April
Average annual energy bill to rise to £1,849 in Great Britain from April
Ofgem’s increase is bigger than expected and is third consecutive rise in energy price cap
* Business live – latest updates
The average energy bill for households in Great Britain will rise by £111 from April to £1,849 a year for a typical…
www.theguardian.com
February 25, 2025 at 7:43 AM
April is looking v scary with the energy price cap increasing by 6.4%, and a huge suite of other bills about to increase too: water council tax, social rents.
Private rents are also still soaring (up ~9% on last year).
All the while benefits are only increasing by 1.7% and LHA stays frozen
Dire
Private rents are also still soaring (up ~9% on last year).
All the while benefits are only increasing by 1.7% and LHA stays frozen
Dire
Inflation is up by 3%, but private rents are up by 8.7% across the UK and 11%(!!!) in London.
Across GB, it means paying ~£100 more per month on average since Jan 24, or ~£200 more per month since Jan 23.
In London, £220 more per month since Jan 24, or ~£400(!) more per month since Jan 23.
Across GB, it means paying ~£100 more per month on average since Jan 24, or ~£200 more per month since Jan 23.
In London, £220 more per month since Jan 24, or ~£400(!) more per month since Jan 23.
February 19, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Inflation is up by 3%, but private rents are up by 8.7% across the UK and 11%(!!!) in London.
Across GB, it means paying ~£100 more per month on average since Jan 24, or ~£200 more per month since Jan 23.
In London, £220 more per month since Jan 24, or ~£400(!) more per month since Jan 23.
Across GB, it means paying ~£100 more per month on average since Jan 24, or ~£200 more per month since Jan 23.
In London, £220 more per month since Jan 24, or ~£400(!) more per month since Jan 23.
Reposted by Rachelle Earwaker
The @bankofengland.bsky.social forecasts expect consumer price inflation to increase to 3.7% over 2025
Families who are already struggling to pay their bills face rising energy and water bills 📈
They're in desperate need of more pounds in their pockets, as the Chancellor has promised 1/2
Families who are already struggling to pay their bills face rising energy and water bills 📈
They're in desperate need of more pounds in their pockets, as the Chancellor has promised 1/2
February 6, 2025 at 1:18 PM
The @bankofengland.bsky.social forecasts expect consumer price inflation to increase to 3.7% over 2025
Families who are already struggling to pay their bills face rising energy and water bills 📈
They're in desperate need of more pounds in their pockets, as the Chancellor has promised 1/2
Families who are already struggling to pay their bills face rising energy and water bills 📈
They're in desperate need of more pounds in their pockets, as the Chancellor has promised 1/2
All eyes on the BoE's (welcome) cut to the bank rate today, but really concerning that energy and water bills are set to push inflation up to 3.7% in Q3 this year.
With over 7 million low-income households already going without essentials, this is v bad news for putting pounds in peoples pockets.
With over 7 million low-income households already going without essentials, this is v bad news for putting pounds in peoples pockets.
February 6, 2025 at 12:26 PM
All eyes on the BoE's (welcome) cut to the bank rate today, but really concerning that energy and water bills are set to push inflation up to 3.7% in Q3 this year.
With over 7 million low-income households already going without essentials, this is v bad news for putting pounds in peoples pockets.
With over 7 million low-income households already going without essentials, this is v bad news for putting pounds in peoples pockets.
The Chancellor's speech today barely mentioned the people that make up the economy.
She started her speech saying that it's about pounds in people's pockets. But with 14.3 million people in poverty, including 4.3 million children, too many don't have the £'s that will help grow the economy.
She started her speech saying that it's about pounds in people's pockets. But with 14.3 million people in poverty, including 4.3 million children, too many don't have the £'s that will help grow the economy.
January 29, 2025 at 11:07 AM
The Chancellor's speech today barely mentioned the people that make up the economy.
She started her speech saying that it's about pounds in people's pockets. But with 14.3 million people in poverty, including 4.3 million children, too many don't have the £'s that will help grow the economy.
She started her speech saying that it's about pounds in people's pockets. But with 14.3 million people in poverty, including 4.3 million children, too many don't have the £'s that will help grow the economy.
Reposted by Rachelle Earwaker
This year the UK Govt say they will publish an 'ambitious' cross-government child poverty strategy
Any respectable child poverty strategy must include action on social security including to abolish the two-child limit and introduce a protected minimum amount of support to UC 5/5
Any respectable child poverty strategy must include action on social security including to abolish the two-child limit and introduce a protected minimum amount of support to UC 5/5
January 29, 2025 at 7:51 AM
This year the UK Govt say they will publish an 'ambitious' cross-government child poverty strategy
Any respectable child poverty strategy must include action on social security including to abolish the two-child limit and introduce a protected minimum amount of support to UC 5/5
Any respectable child poverty strategy must include action on social security including to abolish the two-child limit and introduce a protected minimum amount of support to UC 5/5
Our latest UK poverty report is out today, highlighting that rates of child poverty remain unacceptably high. Almost 1 in 3 children in the UK are in poverty, amounting to 4.3 million children.
Economic growth on it's own is not our ticket out of child poverty - we need urgent, targeted policies 👇
Economic growth on it's own is not our ticket out of child poverty - we need urgent, targeted policies 👇
4.3 million children are in poverty
UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢
Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in part due to social security policies 1/5
UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢
Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in part due to social security policies 1/5
January 29, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Our latest UK poverty report is out today, highlighting that rates of child poverty remain unacceptably high. Almost 1 in 3 children in the UK are in poverty, amounting to 4.3 million children.
Economic growth on it's own is not our ticket out of child poverty - we need urgent, targeted policies 👇
Economic growth on it's own is not our ticket out of child poverty - we need urgent, targeted policies 👇
Giggling a lot here
Reeves: not gilty
January 17, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Giggling a lot here
The big joy of being home for summer 💚
January 17, 2025 at 7:04 AM
The big joy of being home for summer 💚
With the Bank Rate holding at 4.75%, it adds to the litany of poor economic indicators we've seen this week that everyone, but especially low-income families, have been confronted with:
- rising inflation
- soaring rents
- more expensive water bills on the horizon
Not a great Christmas present.
- rising inflation
- soaring rents
- more expensive water bills on the horizon
Not a great Christmas present.
December 19, 2024 at 12:22 PM
With the Bank Rate holding at 4.75%, it adds to the litany of poor economic indicators we've seen this week that everyone, but especially low-income families, have been confronted with:
- rising inflation
- soaring rents
- more expensive water bills on the horizon
Not a great Christmas present.
- rising inflation
- soaring rents
- more expensive water bills on the horizon
Not a great Christmas present.