Without Access to Justice: The Work and Welfare Problems Driving Food Insecurity

 

Download the report:

Without Access to Justice Report 2024

Feeding Liverpool and the University of Liverpool School of Law and Social Justice are working together to better understand the reasons for low income among people of working-age who are facing food insecurity.

The report ‘Without Access to Justice: the Work and Welfare Problems Driving Food Insecurity’ draws on powerful stories of people of working-age who were using food support spaces – including food banks, food pantries and other community organisations – in 2023.

It contains a series of recommendations responding to the report’s four key findings:

  • People of working-age are experiencing food insecurity because they can be trying to get-by on an income that is below the minimum level promised by law.
  • Accessing legal rights is excessively and often unnecessarily complicated.
  • The current substance of employment and welfare rights is insufficient to protect people of working-age from food insecurity.
  • Being without access to justice puts mental and physical health at risk.

This report, and its recommendations, are particularly relevant to:

  • Employers and trade unions
  • Local authorities and education providers
  • Universities
  • Charities providing food support spaces, local and regional food network and all those working to tackle poverty and inequality.
  • Health professionals and those working in and around the topic of health inequality
  • Civil servants, members of parliament and those working in and around Government who are concerned about equality, fair employment and public health

Watch a recording of our online report launch:

On Tuesday 23rd January, Feeding Liverpool launched the report online, which included a presentation from the report authors – Professor Lydia Hayes (University of Liverpool Law School) and Dr Naomi Maynard (Feeding Liverpool) – and reflections from key national stakeholders.

Speakers:
Professor Lydia Hayes, University of Liverpool
Dr Naomi Maynard, Feeding Liverpool

Panelists:
Lord John Hendy, KC
Andrew Forsey, Director, Feeding Britain
Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health, Liverpool City Council
Helen Barnard, Director of Policy & Research, The Trussell Trust