The UK has led the world in taking loneliness seriously as a public health issue. Here is what the data actually shows — and what the government has done about it.
9 million
Britons often or always lonely
2018
Year UK appointed world's first Minister for Loneliness
45%
of older adults say TV is their main company
3.9 million
older people say their only company is the television
Sources: Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness (2017), Age UK, Campaign to End Loneliness.
Eight key UK loneliness statistics and what they mean.
9 million people in the UK often or always feel lonely
The Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness (2017) found that approximately 9 million people in the UK experience loneliness often or always. This figure was the catalyst for the UK government's loneliness strategy.
The UK appointed the world's first Minister for Loneliness in 2018
Following the Jo Cox Commission's report, Prime Minister Theresa May appointed Tracey Crouch as the UK's first Minister for Loneliness in January 2018 — a global first that prompted international coverage and policy discussions in other countries.
200,000 older people had not had a conversation in over a month
Research by Age UK found that approximately 200,000 older people in England reported going more than a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. Loneliness is particularly acute in older demographics.
Young adults are among the loneliest in the UK
Contrary to assumptions, the BBC Loneliness Experiment (2018) — the largest survey of loneliness ever conducted — found that 16-24 year olds were the loneliest age group in the UK, with 40% reporting they often feel lonely.
Lonely workers cost the UK economy £2.5 billion per year
Research commissioned by the Co-op and the British Red Cross found that loneliness costs UK employers £2.5 billion a year in higher staff turnover, lost productivity, and increased absenteeism.
Social prescribing is now part of NHS primary care
The UK's NHS Long Term Plan (2019) committed to expanding social prescribing — where GPs refer patients to community activities and social groups rather than (or alongside) medication — as a direct response to loneliness and isolation.
The Campaign to End Loneliness measures loneliness via four indicators
The UK uses a validated loneliness measure across its official statistics: feeling a lack of companionship, feeling left out, feeling isolated, and feeling in tune with people around you. This standardisation allows tracking over time.
Rural loneliness in the UK is significantly underreported
Research by the Rural Services Network found that rural communities in England face particular loneliness challenges due to transport barriers, reduced services, and cultural norms that discourage asking for help. Rural older adults are especially at risk.
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