Three in four workers cutting back on healthcare due to cost of living

A study has revealed the cost of living is damaging workforce health with 75% of employees saying they have reduced spending on routine healthcare including appointments with the optician, dentist or physiotherapist.

This was according to a new study of 2,000 employees by Health Shield Friendly Society in its Britain at Work report.

The research also found 48% of employees said that the current cost-of-living has impacted their ability to do their job, rising to 71% amongst 18–27 year olds.

The findings also showed:

• 1 in 3 employees (33%) have cancelled check ups such as dental appointments to help with the cost-of-living crisis, rising to 36% for women.
• 72% worry about the cost of living weekly or more frequently, and 29% worry about money every single day.
• 1 in 3 employees (34%) have skipped meals to help keep costs down, with women more likely to say this (36%) than men (31%).

Paul Shires, director at Health Shield said: “The cost-of-living crisis is now having a clear impact on people’s ability to work, with many employees feeling financial pressure is affecting their focus, productivity and overall wellbeing day to day. It is particularly concerning to see the scale of the impact on younger workers, who are often more financially vulnerable.

“We are seeing people cut back on routine healthcare, skip meals or delay seeking support because they simply cannot afford the extra cost. When employees put off dental appointments, physiotherapy or optical care, smaller health concerns can quickly become more serious and harder to manage later on.

“Employers have an opportunity to support staff through practical health benefits that help people access affordable care while easing some of the wider financial pressure many workers are facing.”

The findings reflect wider concerns around the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing UK households, as employees continue to deal with rising food, energy and housing costs.

Perry Timms, an HR influencer who is founder and chief energy officer of PTHR, added: “These findings highlight how closely financial wellbeing and workforce health are now connected. Employees are not only dealing with pressure at work, but also making difficult decisions at home about food, healthcare and other essentials. That inevitably has an impact on concentration, energy levels and overall wellbeing.

“What stands out is that many employees appear to be coping on the surface, while absorbing a significant level of financial and emotional strain underneath. Organisations that recognise this wider picture and take steps to support employees more holistically will be better placed to maintain engagement, morale and long-term workforce stability.”

The report contains broker insight from Emily Jones, head of workplace wellbeing at Broadstone Financial Solutions. She said: “The Britain at work report highlights a growing trend of workers delaying or skipping check-ups due to cost pressures.

“Brokers who position themselves as consultative partners, rather than transactional intermediaries, will be best placed to deepen client relationships. By aligning benefits strategies with the lived realities of employees with long NHS waits, rising anxiety, financial strain, and widening generational inequalities, brokers can help clients design support that is not only relevant and future-proof, but fundamentally preventative.”

To read the full Britain at Work Report please visit: www.healthshield.co.uk/britainatwork

Ends

Editors notes

The research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Health Shield Friendly Society across 2,002 UK employees between 27 March and 1 April 2026.

Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC). It is a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge and adheres to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.

For further information, please contact:

Emily Abreu or Samantha Clark

Midnight Communications

healthshield@midnight.co.uk

T: 01273 666 200

About Health Shield Friendly Society

Health Shield is an award-winning friendly society, dedicated to helping businesses stay in the best of health by providing employee health benefits. Founded in 1877 to support the health of railway workers, today the not-for-profit mutual provides employee health benefits to businesses across the UK, covering more than 500,000 people. Its award-winning product offering includes health cash plans and health screening services designed for prevention and early intervention.

For more information visit: https://www.healthshield.co.uk/