2.4m working households '˜facing money worries'

The consumer group estimates that around 2.4 million households are working, but their financial circumstances are poor.

Nearly two-fifths (38%) of working and struggling households thought their financial situation would get worse in the next year.

Common concerns across the survey included levels of household debt, fuel prices, housing costs including rent or mortgage payments, food prices and levels of household savings and investments.

Which? found one in five (20%) of those in working and struggling households had taken a loan or credit card, borrowed money from friends and family or used authorised overdrafts, as well as cutting back.

Two-fifths (40%) of those deemed to be working and struggling had children aged under 18.

Vickie Sheriff, Which? director of campaigns and communications, said: “It’s alarming to see how millions of working households in the UK are struggling financially.

“Many are worried about paying their rent, mortgages, everyday household bills and loans.

“What’s worse is that one in five of these households are relying on credit cards, overdrafts and the goodwill of their friends and family to help them get by.

“At a time when people are feeling the pinch, we are urging the Government to use its upcoming Budget to consider how it can deliver measures that will help those families that are working and struggling with money worries.”