Is debt advice really free?

Yes, with the charities and services listed above. They are funded so you do not have to pay. If a company asks for an up-front fee for advice, stop and check them against the Financial Conduct Authority's register first.

Will getting debt advice affect my credit score?

Talking to an adviser does not affect your credit file. Some solutions, such as a debt management plan or IVA, can be recorded on it. An adviser will explain the effects before you choose.

Will the adviser judge me?

No. Debt advisers help people from all walks of life, and what you tell them is confidential. Many people get into debt after a job loss, illness, relationship breakdown or a rise in living costs.

Does Sterlingsum give debt advice?

No. Sterlingsum is an information site and is not authorised to give debt advice. We link to organisations that are. We do not receive payment from any of the services listed on this page.

Redundancy pay explained

Who qualifies, how it is calculated and what else to check if you lose your job.

The short answer

If you are made redundant and have worked for your employer for at least 2 years, you are normally entitled to statutory redundancy pay. It depends on your age, years of service (up to 20) and weekly pay, which is capped at £751 for redundancies from 6 April 2026. The maximum total is £22,530.

How it is worked out

Under 22: half a week's pay for each full year of service.
Aged 22 to 40: one week's pay for each full year.
Aged 41 and over: one and a half weeks' pay for each full year.
Service is counted up to a maximum of 20 years, and weekly pay is your average over the 12 weeks before you were given notice, up to the cap.

A worked example

Suppose you are 45, earn £600 a week and have 10 full years of service. At 41 and over you get one and a half weeks for each year, so 10 x 1.5 = 15 weeks, and 15 x £600 = £9,000. Use the redundancy pay calculator to work out your own figure, as ages and service in each band can change the result.

Other things you may be due

Notice: you are normally entitled to notice, or pay instead, of at least one week for each year of service up to 12 weeks, or more if your contract says so.
Time off to look for work if you have been working for two years or more.
Tax: the first £30,000 of a genuine redundancy payment is normally tax-free, and any amount above that is taxed. Payments for work done in your notice period, holiday pay and wages in lieu of notice are usually taxable.
Your pension and benefits: check whether your employer offers more than the statutory minimum, which many do through an enhanced scheme.

If you lose your job

Claim within 6 months of your job ending if you have not been paid.
Check whether you can claim Universal Credit or New Style Jobseeker's Allowance.
Plan your budget with the budget helper, and look at how much you should have in an emergency fund.
If you are struggling with bills, see free debt advice early, before payments get missed.

Where to learn more

This guide is for information only and is not benefits, employment or legal advice. Rules and amounts can change, so check the official pages before you rely on them.