Invisible Britain: Photos reveal the impact of austerity on the lives of 40 people

Thursday 24 May 2018 12:28 BST
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Liz Crosbie, from Govanhill in Glasgow, is just one of the people who have been given the platform to tell their story
Liz Crosbie, from Govanhill in Glasgow, is just one of the people who have been given the platform to tell their story (Rob Clayton)

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Austerity Britain is to be given a new focus in a book that features images of those who are faring worst. Invisible Britain: Portraits, which is a work in progress, will document the lives of 40 British people who have been shaken by cuts to public services, the collapse of industry and other social issues.

Stu is from Bridgend in Wales (Dan Wood)
Stu is from Bridgend in Wales (Dan Wood)

The book will reveal the stories of people such as Jenny from Cornwall (below) who, though careful with money, has had to pull her 18 month-old daughter out of nursery because she simply cannot afford the cost of childcare.

Jenny hopes to reintroduce her daughter to nursery once she qualifies for a free place
Jenny hopes to reintroduce her daughter to nursery once she qualifies for a free place (©Amara Eno)

The project has already won the support of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who states: “This book powerfully gives voice to the experiences and perspectives of people who we are used to seeing marginalised and silenced.”

Sé is from London
Sé is from London (Cian Oba-Smith)

Many of these people feel they are not represented in the media or by the government. As you can see, they are from across the UK and of all ages, because austerity doesn’t discriminate on such terms.

Billy from Glasgow (Kirsty Mackay)
Billy from Glasgow (Kirsty Mackay)

The book will be published by Policy Press, a non-profit publisher, and is supported by the Young Foundation, a socially focused charity, and crowdfunding (they have already hit their goal of raising £10,000).

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