Broke (2019)

Steve and his son Billy are casual workers from Hastings. After they lost their full-time jobs, they also lost their home. They now live in tents on the beach and winter is coming. Steve relies on zero-hours agency work, and Billy works when he can as a tree surgeon, but neither know how many hours they will be asked to work each week. Together they hope to be able to afford a roof over their heads before the weather closes in. Ross from Port Talbot has worked full-time at the local steel works for 20years. His pay has failed to keep up with the rising cost of living and he now earns less after tax than when he started. With three children, a mortgage and credit card debt, he picks up extra shifts to help the family’s tight budget. Ross’s passion is amateur wrestling and with a big match coming up he is desperate to make his kids proud. But when you have to work every hour you are given, there is not much practice time in the ring. Mark lives in London and once worked as successful celebrity photographer. He is now part of the gig economy working as an Uber driver. After a life of freelancing, he doesn’t have savings or a pension and retirement is a distant dream. He knows a short illness or a few points on his licence could mean losing his home. Together with his partner and kids, he faces an uncertain financial future.

Steve and his son Billy are casual workers from Hastings. Steve is desperate to find full-time work but he is unlikely to be considered without a permanent address. Despite being homeless for six months, they do not qualify as a top priority for council accommodation. The father and son will do anything they can to escape the cycle of homelessness and unemployment and avoid relying on foodbanks. Tyrone left home at 16 after his relationship with his mother broke down. He is determined to secure a privately rented room after spending two weeks homeless. As he is under 18, he isn’t eligible for housing benefit. He works on a zero-hour contract at McDonalds which means he can’t guarantee that he will earn enough money each week to cover his rent. Angelica is an Ecuadorian migrant working in London. She studies English all day and works night shifts as a cleaner at a luxury car dealership. She was suspended by her employment agency after requesting a pay rise to the London living wage. Due to the high cost of living, she is forced to consider leaving London and being separated from her son. With the help of a union, she is struggling for her right to fair pay and to keep her family together.

Families reveal what it means to be in work, but still only 'just about managing' to survive. Kevin works over 100 hours a week and manages four businesses, but this work comes at a huge cost.

Families reveal what it means to be in work, but still only 'just about managing' to survive. Kevin works over 100 hours a week and manages four businesses, but this work comes at a huge cost.