The statistics have revealed some positive figures for the three months up to January, with employment rates for 16 to 64 year-olds remaining steady.

The employment rate for those aged 16-64 was 70.3, the same as the employment for the previous three months.

There was some more encouraging news, with 29.1 million people over the age of 16 in employment of some kind – up 9,000 on the previous quarter.

The rates were good news for those struggling to make ends meet in the economic turmoil currently affecting the UK’s economy. But trade unions were less optimistic, saying the figures were misleading.

“The rise in employment is encouraging, but the new jobs being created are mainly part-time. These jobs are not paying enough to replace the full-time earnings that people need,” said Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary.

“The sharp fall in pay increases is also worrying as it will prolong the painful squeeze on family incomes throughout the year,” he added.

There was more bad news for the younger generation, which has been hardest hit by the recession and the turbulent jobs market.

The statistics revealed that there were 3.6 million people in employment of some kind in the three months leading to January.

This figure is down by 32,000 from the three months leading to October last year. The number of economically inactive young people went up by 6,000 to 2.66 million.

“The jobs news gets worse for young people. We cannot afford to see fresh records broken in youth joblessness with such depressing frequency,” added Mr Barber.

“Tackling the jobs crisis should be at the centre of the Chancellor’s Budget next week. Bold new measures such as a youth jobs guarantee and tax breaks for investment are needed to get our economy growing again.”

If you are struggling with unemployment and debt problems, profession debt adivce could help.

Emma Barwick

Emma has worked with the company since January 2007 and has gained a vast knowledge of insolvency and how we as a company can help people who are struggling with debt. Emma ensures people are given the best advice before moving to the next stage and provides a wealth of experience in advising and providing technical support to IVA and Debt Management Plan customers. In 2009 Emma completed her BTEC Advanced Certificate in Debt Resolution.

According to official figures unemployment reached a 17-year high this week. Unemployment increased by 28,000 between November 2011 and January 2012 to hit almost 2.7 million.

Although being made unemployed, through redundancy or for any other reason, can put Brits into austerity mode, there are a number of ways that you tackle debt while trying to re-enter the job market.

Claim your full range of benefits

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance has gone up for the 12th consecutive month. This increased by 7,200 in February to 1.6 million.

There are also a range of other benefits that you may be entitled to such as Housing and Council Tax benefit, and potentially Free School Meals for your children. Your local Jobcentreplus should be able to answer any queries you have on additional support.

Ask for support

According to recent figures from a leading price comparison site four and a half million UK adults are permanently overdrawn and a further 17 million have dipped into the red in the last 12 months. Ask friends and family to rally round you during this difficult time. Seeking unemployment debt advice could also help to organise your debts.

Look at ways that you can make cost savings

Assess your budget and identify the areas you could make savings. You could try and carry out some energy saving measures to reduce your heating bill, cut back on luxuries or switch to economy own brand ranges to whip up a tasty meal.

Get help in returning to work

The government run a number of schemes to get people back into employment. The following are just a handful of work initiatives that are listed on the DirectGov site:

Work Together
This is for anyone who is unemployed and looking for work. Work Together gives you the opportunity to volunteer with a local voluntary organisation. Volunteering can help you to improve your chances of finding work.

Work Clubs
These are for anyone who is unemployed and looking for work. Work Clubs give you the opportunity to make the most of the local knowledge that’s available, to help you in your search for a job.

Emma Barwick

Emma has worked with the company since January 2007 and has gained a vast knowledge of insolvency and how we as a company can help people who are struggling with debt. Emma ensures people are given the best advice before moving to the next stage and provides a wealth of experience in advising and providing technical support to IVA and Debt Management Plan customers. In 2009 Emma completed her BTEC Advanced Certificate in Debt Resolution.

This means that keeping motoring costs minimal will become a priority for drivers – but how can you drive these expenses down?

1. Cheaper fuel

According to recent credit statistics, the price of filling a 50 litre tank with unleaded petrol is now £66.75, with the average cost of filling a tank with diesel costing in excess of £100. This high purchase price of oil is said to be responsible for this, with The Guardian reporting that the price of filling a car has increased by £18 over the past two years alone.

Naturally, prices between different petrol stations and pumps will change and this means drivers who shop around can find the best prices.

2. Lower insurance premiums

With new EU rules set to come into force at the end of this year, insurance premiums could rise for certain groups of people as insurers will no longer be able to offer cheaper premiums based on gender. According to The Guardian, this means women could see their costs grow by more than £360. Adding an adult driver to your policy or choosing a lower level of cover can help drive costs down, as can parking your car on a drive or garage rather than on a public road.

3. Efficient driving

Harsh braking and acceleration is one of the main causes of excessive fuel consumption and pushes car costs up. Driving more efficiently by maintaining a constant speed will therefore see you use less fuel, allowing you to fill up less often and therefore save more money.

4. Vehicle maintenance

Simple things such as under-inflated tyres can have a huge effect the efficiency of your vehicle and this can influence the amount of money which you spend on your fuel. Keeping your car well maintained by checking basic levels (such as tyre pressure, radiator water levels and oil levels) will ensure your car runs efficiently, helping to prevent against large fuel bills and expensive breakdown repairs.

5. Limit use

For frequent expenditures such as fuel, the easiest way to keep them low is to limit the use of your vehicle. Partake in a car share scheme with friends or colleagues to help reduce the amount of use your vehicle gets, something which will be beneficial for both your wallet and the environment.

Emma Barwick

Emma has worked with the company since January 2007 and has gained a vast knowledge of insolvency and how we as a company can help people who are struggling with debt. Emma ensures people are given the best advice before moving to the next stage and provides a wealth of experience in advising and providing technical support to IVA and Debt Management Plan customers. In 2009 Emma completed her BTEC Advanced Certificate in Debt Resolution.

Families are even removing fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and cheese from their weekly food budget, compromising their nutritional needs.

It is possible to feed a family of four without breaking the bank, and these tips will show you how:

Don’t stray from your shopping list

Pre-plan your weekly meals and try not to be enticed by impulse buys. Set aside around £5 to take advantage of multi-buy offers, such as those on non-perishable foods.

Search for low-cost recipes on the internet

A quick Google search of meals for under £5 will throw up a host of ideas. Visit the Sainsbury’s Live Well for Less site and find out how you can feed a family of four for under £50.

Stick to low-cost meals

Stock up on staples such as pasta, beans, tinned tomatoes and rice from the supermarket economy range and rotate meals using these ingredients. You could base two days’ worth of meals on mince (say, a spaghetti bolognese one night and chilli con carne the next). For the next few days  use foods such as frozen prawns, veg and rice to create curries or bargain paellas.

Cook large portions

Cooking in bulk will ensure that the fruit and vegetables and any perishable goods you do have don’t go to waste. Preparing a few simple meals such as lasagne at the start of the week will also ensure you don’t reach for other food items unnecessarily.

Shop smart

Frozen food outlets, such as Farm Foods, offer frozen fruit and vegetables and ready meals from as little as 70p. Lidl and Aldi are also a safe bet for good food at bargain prices. You can also try visiting local markets to get fresh food at discounted prices.

Emma Barwick

Emma has worked with the company since January 2007 and has gained a vast knowledge of insolvency and how we as a company can help people who are struggling with debt. Emma ensures people are given the best advice before moving to the next stage and provides a wealth of experience in advising and providing technical support to IVA and Debt Management Plan customers. In 2009 Emma completed her BTEC Advanced Certificate in Debt Resolution.

Popular budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, Aer Lingus, Flybe and others have all been guilty of charging consumers ‘sky-high’ booking fees when using a credit or debit card.

Consumer watchdog, Which? has been campaigning for this extortionate pricing system to be addressed for quite a while. Last year, a ‘super complaint’ from consumers was filed to banish the high fees.

The government has responded and announced that it will take steps to outlaw the fees. However, this might not come into effect until the end of the year, allowing airlines to continue charging higher fees.

Ryanair, which is notorious for charging consumers for all of its services, is one of the worst airlines for this issue. For a family of four who are booking return flights on the Irish carrier, it could cost them a staggering £48 in booking and administration fees.

Like the majority of airlines, they charge for each leg of the journey despite holidaymakers booking the flights in a single transaction.

Once the law is enforced, airlines and other companies will not be allowed to do this. Alternatively, should airlines wish to continue charging such extortionate fees, they must add it to the headline price flight.

Low fares airline, easyJet, has already added an extra £9 to flights and removed the admin fee.

Wizz Air is another culprit, charging a family of four who are booking with a credit card a jaw dropping £56 in fees.

Debt problems

For many cash-strapped Brits, overseas holidays are fast becoming an unaffordable luxury. With additional hidden fees and charges unaccounted for, it could quickly push people into the red.

It can be hard to stick to a holiday budget and many often return home to find they have overspent. Airline fees are just one of the hidden costs of going abroad, along with cash withdrawal and using your debit card to make purchases.

If you feel that your holiday has landed you in a debt disaster, you could seek professional help from ClearStart.

Emma Barwick

Emma has worked with the company since January 2007 and has gained a vast knowledge of insolvency and how we as a company can help people who are struggling with debt. Emma ensures people are given the best advice before moving to the next stage and provides a wealth of experience in advising and providing technical support to IVA and Debt Management Plan customers. In 2009 Emma completed her BTEC Advanced Certificate in Debt Resolution.

For those who want to earn the accolade of ‘savvy saver of the year’ a quick look at the money market’s top five financial products could set them on the path to economic stardom.

1. Cash ISAs

Keeping your savings in anything other than a Cash ISA could mean that you’re not making the most of your savings pot.

Cash ISAs don’t tax on interest, so it’s highly probable that a regular savings account won’t gain you more in interest. As an example, a Cash ISA paying 6% AER would have to be matched by a savings account offering 7.5% for an ordinary tax payer, while this figure climbs to a steep 10% for individuals whose income falls in the top tax bracket.

The current limit for an ISA is £10,680, up to £5,340 of which can be in the form of cash. You could put £5,340 into a Cash ISA, and the remaining £5,340 into shares.

2. Index trackers

Index trackers follow the movements of the stock market and avoid paying the cost of fund managers. Instead, computers purchase shares on your behalf.

Index trackers are even said to beat funds tracked by fund managers in the majority of cases.

3. Current account mortgages

Linking your mortgage to your current account could lead to extensive savings.

Each time money goes into your combined account it pays off a portion of your mortgage. So the interest that would have been earned from current and savings accounts is diverted to help you lower your mortgage interest.

4. Family income benefit

Family income benefit (FIB) pays a tax-free monthly income to your family members in the event of death for a fixed period of time. It may also prove cheaper than life insurance, which gives out a single fixed sum.

5. Healthcare cash plans

Healthcare cash plans provide an alternative to full blown medical insurance and can still serve to meet everyday healthcare costs.

These plans may also offer reimbursement for some complementary therapies such as chiropractic treatment.

Emma Barwick

Emma has worked with the company since January 2007 and has gained a vast knowledge of insolvency and how we as a company can help people who are struggling with debt. Emma ensures people are given the best advice before moving to the next stage and provides a wealth of experience in advising and providing technical support to IVA and Debt Management Plan customers. In 2009 Emma completed her BTEC Advanced Certificate in Debt Resolution.

16% more surveyors continued to report price falls rather than rises, although this figure represents the best reading since July 2010.

However, when scrutinised further, the survey reveals that 82% (of the 16%) of surveyors reported marginal price decreases within the 0 to 2% range.

London and the North bucked the trend for falling prices and were the only two areas in the survey where more surveyors reported price rises than falls. In Northern Ireland, the balance of surveyors who saw price falls hit their lowest figure since June 2010. However, Scotland still continued to experience a decline in prices.

Figures for the balance for house price expectations for the upcoming three month period climbed to -15, the highest figure since July 2011, from a figure of -23 in December. A lower proportion of surveyors predicted price decreases in a year’s time, with that balance increasing to -4 from -19.

“Many problems with the market still exist and the lack of affordable mortgage finance is still preventing many from getting onto the property ladder,” said Michael Newey, RICS housing spokesman.

“Prices are still falling across most parts of the country, but expectations for future prices have become less pessimistic.”

But while prices continue to plummet, sales appear to be more buoyant. Quoting sales and stocks data over the last three month period, RICS found that average sales per surveyor (branch) have gone up by 1.8%, while average stock levels per surveyor (branch) have decreased by 5.5%.

Although the small increase in sales indicates that the housing market is starting to pick up, the 15.7 per surveyor (branch) average sales levels in January fall well short of the 26 averaged over previous years.

The rise in sales figures has partly been attributed to the buying surge that has seen first-time buyers scramble to snap-up properties before the stamp duty deadline. The exemption period comes to an end on 24 March 2012, and applies to homes with a value of less than £250,000.

Mortgage debt

If you are struggling to make your monthly mortgage or rent payments, it would be advisable to contact your lender or landlord to address the issue immediately.

Seek debt advice to get your finances in order rather than turning to a dangerous payday loan. If you need help with unsecured debt such as credit cards and personal loans, ClearStart can help by offering advice and solutions with the free self help pack.

Emma Barwick

Emma has worked with the company since January 2007 and has gained a vast knowledge of insolvency and how we as a company can help people who are struggling with debt. Emma ensures people are given the best advice before moving to the next stage and provides a wealth of experience in advising and providing technical support to IVA and Debt Management Plan customers. In 2009 Emma completed her BTEC Advanced Certificate in Debt Resolution.

Research from price comparison website MoneySupermarket.com found that credit card payments are the number one most missed payments, followed by council tax payments.

Figures show that three million people missed a credit card payment in the last year and 1.9 million missed out on their council tax payments.

The nation’s personal finances are stretched to breaking point and many are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living.

The number of people missing bill payments has increased since 2010. Mobile phone bills, personal loans, broadband, Sky, gas and electricity bills were also high on the list of the most missed payments.

“There’s still a worrying amount of Brits potentially damaging their credit rating by failing to pay their bills on time, with credit card bills being the most missed, ” commented Kevin Mountford, Head of Banking at MoneySupermarket.com.

“The majority of household bills and government related fines and payments aren’t recorded but contract mobile phone payments are, so it can be very easy to get caught out by not paying bills on certain products, especially if you are not aware of the consequences of your actions.”

If you are regularly missing bill payments, you may need some help to manage your debt problems. A suitable debt management plan could help you control your finances and make regular payments which are affordable for your budget.

You can seek specialist and confidential advice from Clearstart and begin resolving your debt problems with the free ClearStart self help pack.

Emma Barwick

Emma has worked with the company since January 2007 and has gained a vast knowledge of insolvency and how we as a company can help people who are struggling with debt. Emma ensures people are given the best advice before moving to the next stage and provides a wealth of experience in advising and providing technical support to IVA and Debt Management Plan customers. In 2009 Emma completed her BTEC Advanced Certificate in Debt Resolution.

Saving is near impossible with so many people living hand-to-mouth. The cost of living is soaring and Brits are taking on more debt just to cover the price of everyday essentials.

It might not come as a surprise that the average household debt and personal debt levels have increased. The latest figures from debt charity Credit Action reveal that for December the total level of outstanding personal debt stood at £1.451 trillion.

Here are five daily debt statistics that are draining the nation’s finances.

1. Over 300 people are declared bankrupt everyday

Across the UK 331 adults are declared insolvent or bankrupt every day. That’s the equivalent of 1 person every 60 seconds during each working day.

2.101 properties are repossessed everyday

Affordable housing is a thing of the past as many struggle to make monthly payments. There is an alternative to slipping into debt; you could achieve this with a debt management scheme, which could implement an affordable structure for you.

With 101 properties being repossessed every day that’s 1 property being repossessed every 14 minutes and 17 seconds.

According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), 9,200 properties were taken into possession in Q3 2011. This is largely unchanged from 9,100 in Q2 2011.

3.1,797 people a day reported they had become redundant between September and November 2011.

UK unemployment figures are rising, with no sign of slowing down. This leaves millions out of work and struggling to make ends meet.

4.193 mortgage possession claims are issued and 153 mortgage possession orders are made every day

Last year more than 27,500 properties were taken into possession. This is less than 2010’s figure.

5. The average car costs £18.33 per day to run.

The AA found last month that the average price of unleaded petrol rose by 1.0ppl (pence per litre) to 133.5ppl, meaning it now costs £66.75 to fill a 50 litre unleaded tank.

Emma Barwick

Emma has worked with the company since January 2007 and has gained a vast knowledge of insolvency and how we as a company can help people who are struggling with debt. Emma ensures people are given the best advice before moving to the next stage and provides a wealth of experience in advising and providing technical support to IVA and Debt Management Plan customers. In 2009 Emma completed her BTEC Advanced Certificate in Debt Resolution.

Many Brits are increasingly choosing to opt for the ease and comfort of a staycation. Although the UK can’t offer us the glowing tans produced by sunnier climes, we get to avoid the hassle of a lengthy check-in process and of finding ourselves unwittingly squeezed in-between two screaming toddlers on a cramped flight.

But while holidaying at home makes sense for a number of practical reasons, does it actually work out as the cheaper option on average?  The answer may be more surprising than most holidaymakers would have imagined.

Comparing a holiday in Turkey with that of a holiday in Torquay, research by currency specialist Travelex.co.uk found that holidaymakers actually saved over £600 by making the 1,600 mile journey to the Turkish resort of Antalya.

The cost of a double room at the four-star Lara Park Hotel right by the beach was £426 a week for adults, while a comparable room in Torquay’s four-star Braddon Hall Hotel came in at a steeper £518 (June 2011 prices).

Unless holidaymakers bag themselves one of The Sun’s £9.50 holidays, going abroad is definitely the option of choice for savvy vacationers. Bargain destinations such as Eastern Europe and Asia have always been a mecca for backpackers who are looking to make the most of their holiday spending.

As an example, the average cost of a pub lunch in Prague is £4.43, while in the UK the gastro pub phenomenon has seen average pub lunch prices climb to £20.

If it’s a choice between Home or Away, the second option wins every time.

Holiday temptations

Any Brits who are tempted to overspend on their holiday this year should be wary of falling further into debt as a result. If you do find yourself becoming overwhelmed by debt issues, seek the advice of a specialist such as Clearstart.

Emma Barwick

Emma has worked with the company since January 2007 and has gained a vast knowledge of insolvency and how we as a company can help people who are struggling with debt. Emma ensures people are given the best advice before moving to the next stage and provides a wealth of experience in advising and providing technical support to IVA and Debt Management Plan customers. In 2009 Emma completed her BTEC Advanced Certificate in Debt Resolution.