Benefits and debt advice

Loss of work or reduced hours

If you have lost your job or had your hours reduced then you can get advice on your benefit entitlements by calling the Advice Shop on 0131 200 2360.

If you want to check your employment rights call Citizens Advice on 0131 510 5510 email contact@caed.org.uk or find out more on the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) website.

Redundancy

For those people who are facing redundancy, firms are still obliged to provide statutory and contractual payment to employees ‘let go’ through businesses cutting back on staff levels.

Find out about redundancy rights on GOV.UK which explains the basics. You can also find out about on your rights when faced with redundancy on the Citizens Advice Scotland website

If you require further information or advice, Citizens Advice Edinburgh can be contacted on 0131 510 5510.

Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) provides online support and assistance for people facing the loss of their job. Call the PACE helpline on 0800 917 8000.

Alternatively, the dispute resolution service ACAS helpline is 0808 100 1855.

If you have lost your job and not been given any compensation by your employer then you could pursue a claim for loss of notice through the Redundancy Payment Service. Call them on 0330 331 0020.

Self-employed and not earning enough

Universal Credit (UC) may be an option if your self-employed income has dropped.

Normally, if you’re self-employed and have low-income levels, your UC payment may be calculated using an assumed level of earnings called a Minimum Income Floor. It’s based on what an employed person on minimum wage would expect to earn in similar circumstances. If you earn more your UC amount is based on your actual earnings. Find out about UC on GOV.UK

Finding a job

If you need help getting a job or preparing for work, there are many projects in Edinburgh that can assist you. To find out which may be best for you, have a look at the Joined Up for Jobs website or speak to a work coach at your local Job Centre.