THE Covid-19 pandemic has led to a sharp jump in food insecurity across Britain, a new report has revealed.

Research by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and Oxfam found that the financial impact of Covid had left families who were already struggling even more impoverished while also introducing many others to the realities of life with little money.

The report also highlighted that food charities and wrap-around services — such as mental health support and benefit advice —  were suspended due to the pandemic, leaving many much worse off.