A steady job once meant stability. Today, for millions of UK workers, it simply means staying afloat. New findings from The True Cost of Debt for British Workers Report reveal a stark picture of work and wellbeing in financial freefall. According to the study, rising debt isn’t just squeezing budgets, it’s redefining career choices and mental health across the UK workforce.
From Career Aspirations to Crisis Management
Zety’s research found that:
"Debt is no longer just a balance sheet issue, it’s a workforce issue," said Maciej Tomaszewicz, CPRW and career expert at Zety. "People are climbing out of overdrafts instead of up career ladders."
The Mental and Professional Toll of Debt
Across the UK and US, rising costs and debt burdens are leading to urgent, often unsustainable, lifestyle changes:
In the U.S.:
Meanwhile, the UK’s household debt-to-income ratio stands at 118%, and the average unsecured debt per adult is £4,232. The result? Fewer choices, higher stress, and a growing number of workers trapped in roles they never planned to take.
A Global Struggle, A Local Alarm
The pressures outlined in Zety’s report aren’t isolated to one side of the Atlantic. Across the UK:
"Whether you earn in pounds or dollars, the reality is the same," Tomaszewicz added. "Financial stress is shaping how people work, live, and plan for the future. It’s no longer simply about jobs, it’s about survival."
The Way Forward: Reclaiming Ambition
Zety’s findings are a call to action for UK employers, career advisors, and policymakers:
"Work should offer growth, not just a way to pay off yesterday’s bills," Tomaszewicz said. "If we want a resilient, future-focused workforce, we need to address the root causes of this crisis."
Distributed by Pressat