Four in five young people miss job opportunities due to hygiene poverty, research finds

Boots and The Hygiene Bank gave out 15,000 ‘First Impression’ kits with deodorant, shampoo, shower gel, and dental products to young people through community partners including The Hygiene Bank and The King’s Trust.

Anna Harland, director of corporate affairs at Boots, said: “We recognise that there is a serious youth employment issue in the UK, and entering the job market is already challenging. 

“This can be made significantly harder for many young people living in hardship, who sadly are being held back from work, confidence and everyday opportunities because they cannot afford basic hygiene essentials. 

“Hygiene poverty is often hidden, but its impact reaches far beyond the bathroom, so we’re proud to partner with The Hygiene Bank and The King’s Trust to highlight this important issue.”

Ruth Brock, CEO of The Hygiene Bank, said: “Going without or substituting products – washing up liquid used as shampoo, rolled up tissue instead of period products, teeth brushed with a finger – all contribute to the shame and stigma people tell us they feel about hygiene poverty. 

“The critical issue is that this isn’t just causing acute misery, anxiety and depression, it’s also blocking opportunities and limiting life chances. 

“This campaign is highlighting specifically how hygiene poverty is shutting young people out of work opportunities – and therefore limiting their futures. That’s a problem for us all.”

Brock added: “These kits from Boots are a vital and exciting next step to help young people feel ready for the workplace – and ready for a brighter tomorrow.”

58% of those who faced hygiene poverty worried that their personal hygiene would cost them their job or hold back their career, rising to almost two thirds among 18 to 24 year olds. 

The King’s Trust found that more than half (55%) of young people out of work and education said the longer they were unemployed, the more difficult it was to find work.

Jonathan Townsend, UK chief executive of The King’s Trust, said: “Many of the young people we support who are out of work face barriers that go beyond finding the right opportunity or job. 

“At The King’s Trust, we empower them to build the confidence, skills and experience to move forward, but without access to basic hygiene products, some will still be held back from taking that next step. 

“Boots is a long-standing supporter of our work to help young people develop the self belief and tools they need for employment.”

Townsend added: “These kits are another important step, offering practical support to those facing hygiene poverty, removing one more barrier so they can show up prepared, confident and ready to take their next opportunity.”