Increased poverty and levels of inequality will increase demands on services

Levels of income inequality have grown rapidly since 1980 and poverty levels for some groups such as adults of working age are at their highest since the 1960s (Jin et al, 2011).

Poverty and inequality result in a number of social issues, including a rise in poor mental health, poor diets, poor physical health and an increase in substance misuse. These social needs, arising from economic factors, will impact on maternity services and the maternity workforce. For example, there may be increasing demand for support for vulnerable mothers and complex care.

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.