Tales of hardship highlight work of Perth CAB team

James went to the Citizens Advice Bureau in Perth to ask for advice about a problem at his workplace.

His story has been used as a case study in the local CAB’s annual report to highlight the ongoing work – and challenges faced – by the local team.

James said his boss was threatening to dismiss him, because he had been late for work several times.

He told CAB staff his wife Iona had been ill and he was caring for her and their three children. Sometimes he had to take his children to school and that made him late.

James also mentioned that he couldn’t lose his job, because his family were already very short of money since his wife was forced to stop working.

An adviser went through a range of options with James, including the possibility of giving up work to become a full-time carer, or reducing his working hours.

James was told he had the right to ask his employer for flexible working. James went back to his boss, who agreed to change his start time. Iona successfully claimed Personal Independence Payment of £55.10 a week and, as she was not working, they were able to receive an extra £45 per week Child Tax Credit. James and Iona used some of the money to pay for additional help around the house and the rest helps them keep on top of household bills. Another client, Jenny, told the CAB team she had worked in hospitality, but was signed off sick for several months. Her sick pay had ended after 28 weeks and Jenny had used up her savings to help meet her living expenses. With CAB’s help, she was able to claim allowance employmentand could and also supportclaim a council tax reduction and a small weekly grant from a charity until she was ready to go back to work.