Premature Deaths Set to Climb Amid UK Cost of Living Crisis
Premature deaths – a grim legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic – are on the rise again. A new BMJ Public Health study, using Scottish data, warns that deaths could spike by 6.5% this year thanks to the relentless cost of living squeeze. That’s an extra 30 deaths per 100,000 people, pushing the premature death rate from 463 to 493 per 100,000. Experts fear this deadly trend will hit the rest of the UK too, sparking urgent calls for action to halt rising mortality rates.
Inflation and Income Cuts Fuel Health Crisis
The BMJ study dug deeper, modelling how soaring inflation and falling real incomes are wrecking public health. It found clear links between reduced incomes and worsening health outcomes. Even with government support measures, the research warns mortality rates will worsen, hitting the most vulnerable hardest and widening health inequalities across society.
“The mortality impacts of inflation and real-terms income reduction would be significantly negative, leading to pronounced inequalities,” the study concluded.
Aldi Joins Retailers Using Body Cameras for Staff Safety
Meanwhile, UK supermarkets are stepping up shop-floor security. Aldi has jumped on the bandwagon by trialling body-worn cameras for staff, following Morrisons and Tesco’s lead. Morrisons now equips all its workers with body cams to combat rising violence in stores. Aldi will decide on permanent use once their trial wraps up.
