Big debts!

Nicknojob

Hi everyone,
This is my first post although I've been popping in and out of the forum for a while now.
A bit about me. I'm 46 I've no job (hence my username) I'm about 18K in debt on bank loans which I took out when I had a job and could easily pay. However I was unfairly dismissed from my work about 2 years ago for swearing. I worked on a hospital help desk and one particular male nurse was extremely rude every time he called for a request (get some blood, snackbox for a patient etc) I'd nearly finished an 11 hr nightshift when the said bozo called for something, again he was very belligerent and rude as usual. After the call finished, I swore really loudly because I was so frustrated and angry with this clown everytime he rang. Anyway to cut a long story short a manager heard me shouting and swearing (there was no one else in the room) She (the manager was in another connecting office) Manager says unacceptable behaviour - disciplinary - sacked (first ever offence) - appealed - sacking upheld (all managers were sticking together) - appealed again - not allowed appeal - tried to get solicitor for unfair dismissal but £50 an hour which I can't afford No help from legal aid as unfair dismissal isn't covered.
Anyway I really feel hard done by and feel they closed ranks and ruined my life and played God over me. If I'd sworn down the phone at this male nurse I'd understand that's going to far and at least a final warning but I'd put the phone down and was very angry with this idiot who was rude and bullish every time he called.
Anyway I've had no job since and am now getting threatened by Metropolitan collection services and Robinson Way debt collectors total debt around 18K
I'll be asking for advice another time if that's OK. I'm not bothered about the job any more but wouldn't mind some advice on dealing with the debt. I'd agreed to pay £20 a month to each debt company but have missed 2 payments for May and June because I simply havn't got it.
Cheers for now

suja1983

I hope someone can give you some advice on this. Have you tried cccs or the citizens advice bureau?
Good luck.

Tixy

Hi Nick

If you are on benefits then paying £20 a month to 2 debt collectors is not going to be affordable. That sais it is always better to pay something rather than nothing. If all you can afford is £1 or £5 per month then thats all you should be paying to them.
If you have been speaking to them on the phone then I would stop and make sure all futher communication is in writing (if they call you refuse to go through the security questions or simply ask them to write to you and hang up).
You could write a letter to them to explain you are currently on benefits and can only afford a token payment until you find work which might get them off your back for a while.

However I think it might be worth you getting advice from one of the debt charities https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2077631, if you feel you may be out of work for sometime then you may wish to consider other options regarding your debts possibly even bankruptcy (although this would depend on what assets you had)