More than half of teachers (51%) are spending their own earnings on supplies and materials for their classroom, new national research from Discounts for Teachers can reveal.

According to the data, 39% of education staff have revealed they’ve had to source additional essential items such as food and clothes, for the families of disadvantaged pupils.

The news comes as teahcers, nurses and electricians will be among millions paying higher-rate income tax by 2027, according to research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).

What’s more, to make ends meet, over one in five (22%) teachers have had to pick up a second job or a ‘side hustle’, with 36% of those with second jobs working more than 10 hours a week on top of full-time hours.

Discounts for Teachers provides a series of exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers to support teachers & education staff.

As well as being accessible to teachers, the scheme is also open to teaching assistants, headteachers, administrators, and more.

Storm Postlethwaite, Managing Director of Discounts for Teachers said: “Not only is the cost of living crisis affecting teaching staff across the UK, it’s clearly having a knock on impact on the most disadvantaged children in schools.

“Teachers are scrambling to provide additional support for the kids in their class, while dealing with increased pressures and reduced luxuries in their own life. In fact, our research shows that 75% of teaching staff feel their mental health and wellbeing has been impacted by the cost of living crisis.

“We’re working to support the sector by providing education workers with discounts and offers from retailers – to help alleviate some of the financial pressures they’re under.