As the cost of living soars, an air hostess turned waitress has shared how ordinary Oxfordian's quality of life is at risk. 

Rukan Osman, 36, who works at the independent cafe, Brother's, in The Covered Market has said that due to rising costs people are 'living like animals who just eat and sleep and work'. 

This comes as the Bank of England has said inflation is likely to reach 7.25% in April, which means the cost of living is increasing and wages are not keeping up.

The ex-air hostess for Iran Air said: “Life is getting expensive, and the income is sometimes not enough for all the increase.

"In Oxford, it is not easy as at the end of the month, after rent, you have less than 20% of your salary for food and basics. Before it was fine getting the bus but now it has gone up. The food shop is also so much more expensive.

"There should be a balance. I don't need luxuries, I just want to be able to go out with friends sometimes. There's more leisure time in Saudi Arabia."

Ms Osman has an Air Transport Management MSc from Coventry University, and nearly 10 years of experience in the industry, but has struggled to get a job in her field during the pandemic. 

She said: "I’m applying every day but keep getting rejections.”

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