Skint Brits becoming vicars in bid to escape sting of UK’s cost of living crisis

Skint Brits are becoming vicars in a bid to avoid the crippling cost of living crisis.

Free teacakes and a house all paid for are just some of the benefits quick-thinking folk are snapping up to avoid forking out on soaring bills as the UK recession continues to worsen with each passing month.

Stats show that since the cost of living crisis, more people than ever are turning to the church and offering to take up God’s work in return for benefits that come with being a vicar.

READ MORE: Skint Brits become vicars to escape the sting of the cost of living crisis, data shows

Official Government stats show that since 2016, numbers have risen and are expected to hit an all-time high this year.

MP Andrew Selous: “In 2016 there were 1,184 ordinands in total, with a further 476 training.

“In 2020 those figures had risen to 1,373 in total, including 591 starting training, the largest number in a generation.

“The latest numbers, for 2021, show 1,276 in total, including 478 starting training, which is partly a result of the impact of Covid. There is an expectation that overall numbers will increase again.”

Men of the cloth say they can “see why” people are turning to the church.

Reverend Daniel Wallis, who runs a village church near Chichester in Sussex, said: “It is not uncommon to see more people turn to the church when things in life seem to become too much. We have seen this throughout history.

“I have found it is human nature for most to help others in difficult times, and where the UK has had some tough times – with Covid lockdowns and now the finances – the church will always be here.

“And many have found it a comfort and now want to dedicate their lives. It is an enormously good news story.”

The average salary for a Church of England vicar is around £28,000 per year but the post brings other benefits such as paid for housing close to their church, being exempt from council tax and the ability to apply for funding from the church to pay other bills.

Reverend Wallis continued: “The church is here for everyone, at all stages of your life. To become an ordained priest is a calling, and most do not consider it a job, more just a way of life.”

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