The following information has been shared with us from Devon County Council:
With news this week of record redundancies in the UK during the three months to September, we want to let you know about what support is available if you’re worrying about money.
It’s reported that companies have made more workers redundant in anticipation of the end of the furlough scheme, initially due to end in October, but now extended until the end of March 2021.
Over the summer at least 30 per cent of Devon's workforce were furloughed and the number of people in the county claiming Universal Credit has gone up by 155 per cent since March.
If your income has changed and you’re struggling to pay for basic household essentials, we’ve made money available via local District Councils to provide small emergency grants to people in financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.
The funds can be used for different things such as access to emergency short term support through shopping vouchers, utility top ups, paying for essential travel needs or essential advice and support services.
We've also published information on our website about financial help in your local area, including links to national support and information on what to do if you were employed but have now lost your job.