WIREDGOV

Debt makes up a third of the problems that self-employed people need help with from Citizens Advice Bureaux up and down the country.

Sixty percent of those seeking help have turned to credit cards, unsecured personal loans and overdrafts in an attempt to keep their businesses afloat.

Citizens Advice is highlighting these findings as the economy reaches a record number of self-employed workers.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive, Citizens Advice said:

“Many people working for themselves are seeing their efforts unravelled by debt.

“Self-employment can be a positive route back into work, but people need to assess the risks when starting out on their own. With thousands of business owners coming to Citizens Advice each year with debt problems from companies they've built up and invested in, it is clear that for some people self-employment is not offering financial security.

"People are desperately turning to personal credit to keep their companies afloat. Banks must start listening to those small and medium sized businesses that drive the economy and help them with the vital support they need."

Citizens Advice

Notes to editors:

1. This year the Citizens Advice service celebrates its 75th anniversary. We’ve planned a year of activity running from January to December 2014. Contact the press office to find out more.
2. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
3. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
4. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online atwww.adviceguide.org.uk
5. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
6. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.6 million problems from April 2012 to March 2013. For full 2012/2013 service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
7. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 22,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.