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Speaking about Advice NI’s response to Government's new employment strategy for disabled people, Chief Executive Bob Stronge said:

It has been estimated that approximately 200,000 local workers in NI are on the Government's job retention (furlough) scheme, which covers 80% of wages up to £2,500 a month. 

Advice NI welcome the growing calls for Government to act to extend the suspension of the 'Minimum Income Floor' for self employed Universal Credit claimants.

Despite the Government announcement on Friday about a different Job Support Scheme to follow the current furlough scheme, we in Advice NI remain concerned that thousands of employees across Northern Ireland could see their jobs under threat and so face the daunting prospect of claiming UC.

Over ½ million issues dealt with in last year by the Independent Advice Network. Social Security issues continue to dominate workload as a spike in employment and redundancy related enquiries set to grow Advice NI produces new guidance paper on redundancy.

An adviser contacted Specialist Support for Employment (SSE) with a query regarding a client who was made redundant while pregnant.

Aimed at older peoples’ groups Northern Ireland wide, ‘Managing Your Money Better’ talks are funded by Comic Relief and delivered by Outreach Worker John Bradbury.

The talks are free, last about 45 minutes and cover a range of topics including: budgeting, maximising your income, dealing with debt, saving, borrowing and credit and avoiding scams.

‘I also give people some additional information, benefits information and contact details within Advice NI for further free advice.

‘So far, we have reached over 1,000 people with almost half living in rural isolated areas. The talks are aimed primarily at people over sixty and over 350 people reached are aged over 75.

‘I usually find people are most interested  in benefits uptake and avoiding scams. As an organisation, we are delighted to provide as much help and information as possible,’ added John.

So far, community groups, womens’ groups and churches have been amongst the venues visited.

More talks are planned for late Autumn to Winter. If you would like a contact, please contact John – ‘john@adviceni.net.’

Aimed at older peoples’ groups province wide, ‘Managing Your Money Better’ talks are funded by Comic Relief and delivered by Outreach Worker John Bradbury.

The talks are free, last about forty five minutes and cover a range of topics including: budgeting, maximising your income, dealing with debt, saving, borrowing and credit and avoiding scams.

‘I also give people some additional information, benefits information and contact details within Advice NI for further free advice.

‘So far, we have reached over 1,000 people with almost half living in rural isolated areas. The talks are aimed primarily at people over sixty and over 350 people reached are aged over 75.

‘I usually find people are most interested  in benefits uptake and avoiding scams. As an organisation, we are delighted to provide as much help and information as possible,’ added John.

So far, community groups, womens’ groups and churches have been amongst the venues visited.

More talks are planned for late Winter and Spring. If you would like a contact, please contact John.