As announced in this year’s Budget, it is good news that the economy is continuing to recover and that the employment rate is on the rise.

However, this will be of little comfort for the millions who are struggling to meet the rising cost of living and will continue to be squeezed by the further cuts planned.

Whilst it is promising that employment levels are increasing and more than one million more jobs are forecast over the next five years, for many, work is not paying enough to keep up with rocketing housing, energy and food costs.

Equally concerning is that this rise in employment is being boosted by increasing numbers having to take on low-paying part-time jobs or even face the instability of self-employment. There are now more than six million people living below the poverty line in the UK who are from working households.

Many of those people in low-paid work rely on benefits to top up their income, so the cap on welfare spending will no doubt be of concern. With Housing Benefit, tax credits, disability benefits and pensioner benefits included in the cap, more needs to be done so that the most vulnerable do not become trapped in poverty.

Anyone who is worried about their situation can use our free tools at www.turn2us.org. uk to see if they can access any financial help.

Alison Taylor, Turn2us, 200 Shepherds Bush Road, London W6 7NL.