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Money Box: Over 50s Workers and Faulty Prepayment Meters

25/02/2023

Over 50s Workers and Faulty Prepayment Meters

BBC Radio 4 - Money Box, Over 50s Workers and Faulty Prepayment Meters

What does it take to get over 50s back into work?

How some energy customers are being left for months with faulty prepayment meters.

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, is expected to use his Budget on March 15th to introduce measures to to encourage people over 50 to return to work. 
Since 2019 there has been a rise in the number of people defined as economically inactive. That means they are not working, self-employed, or looking for work to claim benefits. The number rose by 830,000 between 2019 and 2022, with three quarters of that increase among those aged 50 and over.
The Department for Work and Pensions has a programme to encourage people over 50 back into work by offering help with health support, pension planning and flexible working opportunities.  Clare Worden visits Shrewsbury Job Centre to find out more.

Some energy customers are being left for months with faulty prepayment meters. Several people have told Money Box that although their electricity has not been disconnected the screens showing their credit has been blank since Christmas and they cannot top up, so they have no idea how much electricity they're using or what it is costing them. The law says suppliers should take 'appropriate action' within hours - arranging to fix or replace the meter. Or at the least to arrange an appointment. 
We'll get reaction from their suppliers and talk to Matt Cole from the Fuel Bank Foundation.

And where should you put your money to make the most out of it? We'll talk savings with Anna Bowes from Savings Champion.

Presenter: Paul Lewis
Reporter: Clare Worden
Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner
Editor: Jess Quayle

(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 25th February, 2023)

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