For those who haven’t been following the latest political news – inflation is on the up. Last Wednesday (November 20) new statistics released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that inflation increased to 2.3% in October, which is most probably to do with increased gas and electric prices.
Now, we’re not going to get into the all the fuddy duddy ins and outs – that’s too much for a Monday morning. However, the increase in inflation, which is now back above the Bank of England’s target of 2%, means that the cost-of-living crisis will continue for Brits.
And that impacts everything from the food shop to relationships. According to extramarital affair ‘dating’ site Illicit Encounters, every time there has been a spike in inflation, they have more member sign-ups – meaning more people are looking to cheat.
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In a survey, Illicit Encounters found a 22% surge in membership sign-ups followed the latest inflation hike announcement – a trend also seen in the August inflation increase.
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Apparently, 65% of new members who joined within 48 hours of the inflation increase explained that ‘financial pressure’ was the main reason for joining.
Jessica Leoni, spokesperson for the affairs site, said: “We’ve come across a clear pattern: each time inflation rises, our membership numbers boom.
“It’s fascinating to see how economic factors can influence people’s personal relationships. When financial stress increases, it can put a strain on marriages and partnerships, leading some to seek solace or excitement elsewhere.
“Our members are looking for relief, not more stress. We’ll keep our platform accessible, no matter the economic climate.”
Despite the bills piling up for Brits, it looks like they have no issue with dishing out the £199.99 for eight weeks gold membership. That works out £4 a day apparently, how cost savvy…
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But despite the likes of electric, food and fuel increasing in cost, Jessica revealed Illicit Encounters is not planning on raising their membership fee.
That’s one way to make cheating in the cost-of-living crisis accessible, right? Well, one new member known only as ‘Emma’, a 34-year-old, shared that the latest inflation increase was her ‘final straw’.
In hopes of some escapism away from the mounting bills and arguments with her partner, she signed up to the site to find some pleasure amongst the pressure of every day.
Emma, who is already chatting to some matches, said: “We’ve been arguing constantly about money. The bills keep piling up, and we just don’t connect anymore.
“I know it’s not the solution, but I needed something that was just for me. Somewhere I could feel alive again without the constant stress.”