Putting Debt in the Firing Line
Questions and Answers:
Q. At last year's conference, I picked up some information on free debt advice for UNISON members. Someone mentioned that at some point it might be possible to access this over the phone. Has there been any progress?
A. Yes, UNISON members can now telephone a new UNISON dedicated freephone number for immediate access to debt advice without the need for completing Welfare's application form or contacting their branch
To call UNISON Welfare Debt line, the freephone number is 0800 389 3302 and lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1 p.m. on Saturdays
Q. Who operates UNISON Welfare Debt line?
A. The service is provided by Federated Credit limited, a free national debt advice company FCL work closely with the voluntary money advice sector and other organisations
It provides continued personal support to its callers, assigning each person a case officer who is readily available to help with problems or concerns that may arise
The service is completely confidential and members will be offered a solution that best meets their individual circumstances
Q. What happens when members phone Debt line?
A. FCL will conduct a telephone assessment of their circumstances and develop a strategy for addressing the problem
The company's advisers are aware of the type of help UNISON Welfare can offer and will refer the caller to Welfare if they feel a grant may be appropriate
This is covered in more detail in UNISON Welfare Factsheet no 4, available on request from UNISON direct - 0845 355 0845
Q. Why is the union putting resources into this? Surely there are other organisations that can deal with debt?
A. The problem of debt is growing and the huge demand for advice means many traditional sources of help are restricting their frontline services to those who are out of work or in receipt of statutory benefits Other difficulties include long waiting times for appointments, restricted opening hours and/or the advice given is of a self-help nature, which is not suitable for everyone
The alternatives provided by fee-charging debt management companies are often inadequate and the charges made can worsen the situation
Q. If debt is such a huge problem, what else is UNISON doing about the issue?
A. The debt advice referral service complements the union's campaigning work to combat the growing problem of debt and financial exclusion in the UK As well as participating in fuel, water and food poverty campaigns, UNISON also works with Debt on Our Doorstep - an alliance of voluntary and public-sector groups and organisations campaigning for change to relieve the burden of debt on low income households and to promote solutions to financial exclusion
To find out more about UNISON campaigns, contact Christine Durance of unison's policy and public affairs unit by phoning 0207 551 1400, or emailing c_durance@unison.co.uk
Q. Has UNISON produced any items which branches can use to publicise Debt line to members?
A. Yes A leaflet for members, > stock no 1975, and a noticeboard poster, > stock no 1976, can be ordered from UNISON communications on 020 7551 1128, fax 020 7551 1461, or via UNISON direct on 0845 355 0845
In addition, UNISON Welfare fact sheet no 4 contains more detailed information for branches and welfare officers on this new service and can be obtained from UNISON direct
To speak to a caseworker at UNISON Welfare about applications for financial assistance or any issue tel: 020 7391 9170, or email welfare@unison.co.uk
