Information and advice for Employees

If your personal finances or employment situation have been affected by the economic downturn, the information and links below could help you.

Managing your finances

• Claiming benefits
• Help if you are unemployed or worried about unemployment
• Help if you think you might lose your home

Whether you are worried about your personal finances or are experiencing problems with money, there are some simple steps that you can take to help make your finances more secure:

• Contact every company that expects a payment from you and explain your situation
• Take advice about benefits and submit claims as soon as possible
• Complete a budget planner (such as the Money Advice Service's online budget calculator)
• Identify your priority debts and make sure that payment terms are agreed (these debts would include your mortgage or rent, for example)
• If you are unemployed, take advice about help and advice when searching for a job. You can search for a job with JobcentrePlus via the Directgov website
• Review your situation regularly to make sure your actions are always the best for you.

Essential advice and guidance on managing your money is provided on the Directgov website

Citizens Advice also offers a range of services that can help you to manage your money and deal with many of the other problems that can occur as a result of the recession.

The National Debtline provides free confidential independent advice about debt problems, as does the Consumer Credit Counselling Service.

You can also visit other sources of advice, such as the BBC's 'How to cope during the recession' page.