Please Help

Kerri-Lou_2

Im new to this forum and was wondering if i could get some advice

im 23 and live in a privately rented flat at £450p/m
i recently moved into my little flat after transferring to scotland with my workplace.
i was on a 32 hour contract (which is the only "full-time" hours you can get) but would regularly work more then 40. Now ive had a disagreement with my boss and im on a 24 hour contract.
Before the disagreement, i took out a contract with 02 for 24 months (foolishly thinking nothing would change in my life) at £30 a month (which is the lowest tariff)
i have an overdraft of £500 and lately have been very rarely out of it due to the problems at work
i have also tried to claim housing benefit (i get paid too much)
i have tried claiming income support (you have to be 25)
im trying to find another job but in this economic climate, it isnt going well.
Please can someone give me any advice as i cannot cancel my contract as it will cost more than £450 and its simply money i dont have and im getting more and more afraid that i wont be able to afford my rent
thnks

DarkConvict

Some operators do let you drop a tariff, you could ask 02 how long it would be in your contract before you could drop the price.

Also, another idea is to look at your outgoings in general. You can be surprised by what is suggested.

Fill in the SOA in post it on MSE format. http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html

Good luck.

welshmoneylover

Whatever happens, you must pay your rent first and foremost.

As for the mobile phone bill, please phone them and see if you can drop your tariff.

Hope it works out ok for you.

ps, have you thought about a 2nd job?

bluebag

Kerri-Lou wrote: »

Im new to this forum and was wondering if i could get some advice

im 23 and live in a privately rented flat at £450p/m
i recently moved into my little flat after transferring to scotland with my workplace.
i was on a 32 hour contract (which is the only "full-time" hours you can get) but would regularly work more then 40. Now ive had a disagreement with my boss and im on a 24 hour contract.
Before the disagreement, i took out a contract with 02 for 24 months (foolishly thinking nothing would change in my life) at £30 a month (which is the lowest tariff)
i have an overdraft of £500 and lately have been very rarely out of it due to the problems at work
i have also tried to claim housing benefit (i get paid too much)
i have tried claiming income support (you have to be 25)
im trying to find another job but in this economic climate, it isnt going well.
Please can someone give me any advice as i cannot cancel my contract as it will cost more than £450 and its simply money i dont have and im getting more and more afraid that i wont be able to afford my rent
thnks

Don't panic!! lots of us on here have been in a whole lot more doo doo than a phone contract!

There is plenty of support and help on here so don't be afraid to ask questions and discuss stuff, even if you think it's a bit daft.
First of all make certain you pay your rent, you do not need to be homeless, this is a number one priority.

How did your boss manage to re-write your contractual hours ?

Happytogetdebtfree

Sorry about your troubles hope things sort out x

DarkConvict

Agreed, you must pay priority bills/debts first, this is rent/council tax/utility bills. Other debts like loans/credit cards are non priority debts.

vaporate

Thought I would help out.

I know it is too late now, but always stick with pay as you go. Always be free of contracts whenever possible as you are not chained down.

Times are indeed hard.

Keep an eye out for other forms of employment ect.

Kerri-Lou_2

Thank you for all your replies.
I'm looking for a second job atm but I don't have very good grades or much experience in bar work ect so it's difficult.
As for my contract, I was off sick from work for nearly a month after trying to overdose due to the stress of being there.I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder whilst off.I've been back at work now for near 3 months but they will not answer why they have changed my contract
thanks again

Matty23

o2 will let you drop a tarriff in usually 9 months into the contract that a 24 month one.

KPR11

Kerri-Lou wrote: »

I was off sick from work for nearly a month after trying to overdose due to the stress of being there.I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder whilst off.I've been back at work now for near 3 months but they will not answer why they have changed my contract
thanks again

Hi Kerri-Lou,

First of all, try to hang in there, nothing is worth ODing - as you know, you could do a lot of long term damage to yourself so you will be in a worse position then when you started (trust me I am 24, was drowning in gambling debts c£22k about 3 years ago and could not see a way out and "tried to end it all". another guy attempted it and had multiple organ failure. luckily i have not done any long term damage but I could have easily done it)

I am not sure if they are allowed to do that but I am sure someone on here will be able to help you out with that.

Kerri-Lou wrote: »

I'm looking for a second job atm but I don't have very good grades or much experience in bar work ect so it's difficult.

I am sure you do not need any experience to work in a supermarket and all you need to be is friendly, honest and hardworking, which I am sure you are. I am certain the likes of Tesco will take you on. It's just a case of being persistent and not giving up.

As for your contract, I don't know if it is a good idea and is perhaps a touch naught but if it is a fairly recent phone then maybe you can ebay it or cex it to release some cash?

I know times are hard but if I could survive, anyone can!!

Good Luck

KPR

bluebag

Kerri-Lou wrote: »

Thank you for all your replies.
I'm looking for a second job atm but I don't have very good grades or much experience in bar work ect so it's difficult.
As for my contract, I was off sick from work for nearly a month after trying to overdose due to the stress of being there.I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder whilst off.I've been back at work now for near 3 months but they will not answer why they have changed my contract
thanks again

So sorry to hear about your ill health. You could try ACAS, phone them and tell them what is going on with your contract, they may be able to help or put you in touch with someone who can. If you are in a trade union it may be woth having a chat with a union rep.
Hope you're feeling better soon.
bb