Millions of people have lost their job thanks to the credit crunch. But for some, whether the redundancy is voluntary or involuntary, it can be the push they need to get themselves out of a job they are suffering and into a job they really want to do. Others will use the pay off to start their own business, so they no longer have to answer to anyone, and can be their own boss.

Whatever your take on it, you need to know your redundancy rights, what help is available to you from the Government, and what you can do to help yourself and your family if the loss of an income starts leading to problems with paying utility bills, mortgages and even credit card payments. The debts will not go away, so get some help to sort them out sooner rather than later.

If you are working and want to protect yourself from being made redundant, then you can take out accident, sickness and unemployment cover - also known as income protection - so you can maintain your lifestyle.

If you want to start your own business, we can help you with information and guidance on that too.