A leading debt management company is reporting a rise in the numbers of its customers who cite loss of sleep as a direct result of debt anxiety as a major catalyst for contacting the company for help.

Annual average household expenditure is estimated to be £35,978. The corresponding figure for a household where the main occupant is 65 – 74 is £23,711 and £15,139 where they are aged 75 and over

A third of workers are more likely to go into work ill because of the economic downturn, a survey reveals. The study of 1,600, found that 30 per cent of workers are now more inclined to go to work sick as a result of the current economic climate. Around half of those choosing to turn up for duty while sick said the most important factor in their decision was job security.

With the recent Macmillan study showing cancer sufferers and their families are 20 times more likely to ask for help about financial issues, than about death and dying, Chartis Direct reports increased interest in its unique cancer insurance products WellWoman and CancerCare, which give cash payouts on diagnosis of cancer.