UK on breadline

With self-employment fuelling much of the growth in job figures, many of those who have become self-employed in the last five years have done so through lack of alternative options. On average, those working for themselves are earning 40 per cent less than a typical employee.

Along with the recent rise in zero hour contracts which offer no guaranteed minimum hours or pay, the job market is looking increasingly unstable, threatening the financial security of working families.

As a charity supporting people in financial need, we hear from thousands of people every day – many of whom are in work, but struggling to make ends meet.

Almost three-fifths (57 per cent) of households in some form of employment told us their financial situation has worsened in the last year and shockingly, nearly two out of five (39 per cent) say their outgoings now outweigh their earnings.

It is clear that the impact of economic improvements has yet to reach these families and that more needs to be done to prevent more working people from slipping into poverty.

In the meantime, we are working to help greater numbers of people in work, who are often less aware of potential entitlements, to access financial support.

We are encouraging everyone to take just a few minutes out of their day to check their eligibility for welfare benefits and tax credits using our free benefits calculator at www.turn2us.org.uk/BeAware

Claiming Working Tax Credit and other benefits can make a huge difference, with 85 per cent of current claimants who work saying this extra income has helped with their housing costs, bills and even avoiding debt.

With a lack of stable employment, a fall in real wages and living costs continuing to rise, we hope we can help many more people in need to access financial support today.

Alison Taylor, director of Turn2us

200 Shepherds Bush Road

London

W6 7NL

• Want to share your views? Send your letters by email: [email protected] or post to Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA.