These are difficult times for working people and their families. Millions have had a torrid time of it since the financial crisis of 2008, seeing the cost of living rocket up and facing the very real threat of redundancy. Even now, apparently improving employment figures conceal the trend towards jobs that are increasingly low-paid and insecure.

Debt is another big problem, with the average household owing nearly £9,000 (excluding mortgages). Visit the following sections for a variety of practical information about how best to weather the current economic climate:

• Redundancy rights 
• Dealing with debt
• Welfare and benefits

If you're worried you may be facing redundancies where you work, you can use our Redundancy Calculator to help you work out what you could expect as a minumum pay offer, based on your age, salary and time with your employer.