CAB How to get help for soaring debt woes
Q: I started a new job at the beginning of this year. I have since become very uncomfortable about some of the working practices of my new employers. I have been a health and safety officer in the past and think that some of the things we are asked to do aren’t strictly legal, and also wouldn’t meet health and safety standards. I tried to bring it up informally with my direct boss, but was fobbed off. I am worried that if I take this further I might lose my job as I am only recently in the door.
A: There is protection against dismissal for employees who are whistle- blowers. If you were dismissed for what is legally known as “making a qualifying disclosure” this would be automatic unfair dismissal, and you wouldn’t need to have two years’ service to have a claim at tribunal. To be covered, you have to have tried to report one of the following: a criminal offence, failure in a legal obligation, a health and safety issue, a miscarriage of justice, damage to the environment, or an attempt to cover up any of these things.
From what you say, your situation would be covered. If you decide to make a report to your employer, keep a written record, and make sure what you are saying gives specific details about what they are doing wrong. Hopefully this will be enough for improvements to be made. You can get further confidential advice about whether to take action from Protect on 020 3117 2520.
If you work for the NHS, there is a new confidential service to support people thinking about raising work concerns. The Independent National Whistleblowing Officer advice line can be called on 0800 008 6112.
Q: I’d previously looked into applying for bankruptcy, but my debts totalled £19,000 including my student loans so I couldn’t qualify under the minimal assets process. I didn’t want to apply under full admin method as the application fee was too high. I know there’s been changes recently, will this help me?
A: Yes, some of the changes introduced for Covid-19 have been made permanent, meaning the maximum total debt level allowed for the Minimal Asset Process (MAP) has been increased to £25,000 from £17,000 and student loans are excluded. This makes sense to us as student loans were usually not written off through bankruptcy, therefore having to add them to the total debt felt unfair.
The fees have also been reduced to £50 for MAP or waived if you’re in receipt of qualifying benefits. Hopefully these changes will help people who were previously unable to apply due to the fees or the debt level. If you want to progress with bankruptcy, you will need help from an approved money adviser, please contact us on 0141 889 2121 or Advice Works on 0300 300 1238 to discuss.
Q: I haven’t been able to visit my family in Ayr all year, I’ve heard that I will be allowed to from today is that correct?
A: From today the travel restrictions in Scotland are changing from “stay local”, you will be able to travel anywhere in Scotland for the purpose of recreation or exercise and can meet in groups of up to six adults from six households outdoors.
You will be able to visit your family in Ayr but must not stay away from your local council area overnight.
On April 26 more changes will be introduced, expected changes include all retail premises, libraries, museums and galleries opening the hospitality sector being able to reopen outdoors for the service of alcohol and gyms and swimming pools opening for individual exercise. You should also be able to meet up to four people from two households to socialise in a public place such as a café or restaurant.