Forced to live below minimum wage

Cassandra1194

Hi,

thanks in advance for reading. I’m in Scotland. I’m currently in the last year of my four year bankruptcy repayments. The repayment rate is now seeing me live on £114.89 less than minimum wage per month. Is this even legal? Granted my rent is relatively low but I’m really struggling every month. They’re even making me prove to them that I’ve spent money on face masks. It’s gotten harder since covid since various people are picking up my case and I’m now bombarded with emails asking for more money. 

Any advice would be much appreciated. 

[Deleted User]

Minimum wage relates to your earnings, not your outgoings.

If you're not earning minimum wage, you need to address that with your employer. 

tarzanette

Unemployment benefits are a lot less than minimum wage, and yet, somehow, people survive. 

MalMonroe

Hi, 

I'm in England and Scotland seems to have its own rules and regulations but StepChange has help for Scottish clients. Why not contact them for advice, their info (https://www.stepchange.org/contact-us.aspx) says -

"Get help completing your sequestration or MAP bankruptcy application form, including evidence to support the application, or if your circumstances have changed. For Scottish clients only."

•  0800 652 7491 
• Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

Your circumstances are bad and you  could do worse than phone them to see if they can either help, or point you in the right direction. 

P.S. I don't think people are allowed to 'pick up your case and bombard you with requests for money' when you have an arrangement in place.

Cassandra1194

tarzanette said:

Unemployment benefits are a lot less than minimum wage, and yet, somehow, people survive. 

Just because people are FORCED to survive on paltry Universal Credit does not make it right! This is a wholly ridiculous argument based on a punitive social security regime. No one should be forced to not be able to afford the basic necessities. Food banks should not be the norm!!! 

Cassandra1194

Deleted_User said:

Minimum wage relates to your earnings, not your outgoings.

If you're not earning minimum wage, you need to address that with your employer. 

No my point is that I am earning minimum wage but with the amount of repayment that’s been taken off me I now live on below the equivalent of minimum wage which is deliberately set to allow people to live at a minimum decent standard. 

sourcrates

Who is “they“?
Are you referring to the accountant in bankruptcy ?

If the IPA is set too high, then tell them so, you are supposed to be left with enough money to live on.
I suggest you speak to them.