Quantifying multiple insecurities in financial, housing, work, health and caring: trends, breakdowns by characteristics and impacts on wellbeing

Abigail McKnight

Published 30 March 2026

This novel quantitative study of multiple insecurity demonstrates that it is possible to operationalise the concept using data on adults living in the UK to estimate prevalence and trends, and identify who is most at risk of experiencing various insecurities. Six key findings are that: (1) Insecurities in financial, housing, work, health and caring are common; (2) Financial insecurity is related to elevated risks of experiencing insecurity in other dimensions; (3) There is a cyclical element with society-wide shocks exposing greater numbers of adults to insecurity, particularly within some dimensions and for specific aspects of insecurity; (4) Some groups are more at risk of insecurity than others. Although risks vary depending on the dimension and aspect of insecurity, in general, women, young and older age groups, adults living alone and single parents, unemployed or long-term sick or disabled, ethnic minorities and adults living in the most deprived neighbourhoods are particularly vulnerable; (5) There is a negative relationship between multiple insecurity and wellbeing; (6) Policy matters. There is evidence that good policy can reduce insecurity and lack of appropriate interventions can increase insecurity. This research shows how looking through an insecurity lens adds to our understanding of related concepts such as social exclusion, poverty and disadvantage by providing an insightful way to understand the downside risks many people face, and have to manage, in their everyday lives.