Unemployment is rising - what to do if you’re out of work

Unemployment is on the up - and many people will be struggling with or afraid of becoming out of work.

Official figures show that the rate of unemployment was 5.2% in the three months to the end of December.

That’s up from 5.1% a month earlier and the highest level in nearly five years.

But these numbers don’t really tell the full story.

Hard data doesn’t reflect the anxiety people are feeling about making ends meet after losing their job.

Or the worries they experience if their company is cutting back or dropping their hours.

But if you’re in this position, there are steps you can take to help you through.

Find out what benefits you can claim

You might be entitled to support if you’ve lost your job, depending on the circumstances, such as universal credit or new style jobseeker’s allowance. 

So find out what you’re eligible to claim as soon as possible, either by getting in touch or using our benefits calculator.

Tell your creditors

If you're struggling to keep up with vital expenses like your rent, mortgage, credit cards or energy bills, let your providers know.

Many will have support options for people who’ve lost their jobs, including temporary payment breaks, reduced payments or hardship schemes.

The sooner you let them know, the more they can do to help.

Prioritise essential bills

If money is tight, focus on priority bills like rent or mortgage, energy, council tax and food.

These are the things that keep a roof over your head, the lights on and living in relative comfort.

If you’re worried about how to manage different expenses, try our free budgeting tool.

It should help you prioritise essential spending and work out where you could cut back. 

Get debt advice

Many of the people who come to us for help do so after losing their job or experiencing a drop in earnings.

We understand how quickly everything can spiral, so we’re here to help you understand your options, such as getting on top of your budget, checking what benefits you can claim or discussing debt solutions.

Look after yourself

Losing a job can be a devastating blow and it’s perfectly normal to feel stressed, anxious and upset.

So take steps to look after your mental health, such as keeping a routine where you can, checking in with your support network, and updating your CV.

And if you’re really struggling, organisations like Rethink Mental Illness or Samaritans are there to listen and offer support.

You’re not alone.