News

1 September 2026

Finding a job

Published on Tuesday 1st September 2026

“I finished school in the summer and since then I’ve applied for countless jobs, but I’m not having any luck – most companies don’t even bother getting back to me. It’s really getting me down – what can I do to be more successful?” 

Navigating your first steps into the world of work can be really daunting. If you’re struggling to find a job, you’re not alone. Nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are not in education, employment or training. Clearly, there are some big structural and economic issues that are making it hard for young people to find work, but there are still things you can do. 

When you’re applying for a job, it’s vital to do your homework. Make sure you’ve done your research about both the role and the employer, and adjust your CV to fit the position you’re applying for. Employers will usually want to know why you’re interested in working for them specifically, so take some time to look into who they are and their values as an organisation. Then discuss how they align with what you’re looking for in a role in your application. 

Be cautious about using AI. When you’re feeling the pressure to get out as many applications as possible, it can be tempting to turn to AI to help you write your CV, cover letter or application form. But employers can usually tell when you’ve used AI, and some may use AI detection tools when screening your application. It might put them off wanting to progress your application, so it’s best to always use your own words. 

If you’re worried about your lack of experience, one way to make your CV stand out from the crowd is to try volunteering. Not only will you gain vital skills and work experience but also make a positive difference to people’s lives. For example, volunteering in your local Citizens Advice service can give you office experience and customer service skills – you can find out more about opportunities in your area on our website/you can find out more about volunteering at Citizens Advice Torbay on our website. Home – Citizens Advice Torbay 

If you’re struggling financially, you should check what benefits you’re able to get. If you’re over 18 (or in some cases 16 or 17), not in education or training, and you have less than £16,000 in savings or other investments, you may be eligible for Universal Credit. You might also be able to get ‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance for up to six months while you look for a job. You can check what benefits you can get on the Citizens Advice website. 

And lastly, job hunting can take a real toll on your mental wellbeing. Endless applications, back-to-back rejections or  – worse – being ghosted entirely can all chip away at your self-esteem and affect your mental health. If you’re finding it tough, there’s help and support available. You can reach out to organisations like StudentMinds, try YoungMinds or get in touch with Mind – you don’t have to face it alone. 

21 July 2026

Problems with traders

Published on Tuesday 21 July 2026

“I hired a company to install concrete fencing and a gate in my back garden. The quality of the work is poor, some wooden panels are loose and the gate doesn’t shut properly. I paid before I inspected the work. What can I do? “

When you put your trust in a trader and they don’t meet your expectations it can be really frustrating. 

When there’s a problem caused by a trader, you should be able to get it fixed or get some money back. Evidence is important – take photos and make notes about what happened and when, including times and dates, and keep hold of receipts or other proof of payment.  

People can experience different types of problems with traders, and there’s specific advice available on our website depending on what the issue is. In your situation, it’s important to note if a trader hasn’t done a good job with ‘reasonable care and skill’, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 entitles you to ask for the problem to be fixed or for a refund.  

This is something you can mention when you take the problem up with the trader and cite your evidence. They should fix the problem within a reasonable amount of time, without causing you too much inconvenience. The law doesn’t say what counts as reasonable, so you’ll have to agree on it with them. 

If they can’t or won’t fix the problem, you can ask for a partial or full refund, depending on how bad the problem is. You’ll have to come to an agreement about how much you should get. It’s a good idea to start by suggesting a figure and explaining why you think it’s reasonable, then take it from there. Once you’ve agreed on the amount with the trader the law says you should get your refund within 14 days. 

If you can’t come to an agreement, or they refuse to fix the problem or give you a refund, there are other steps you can take – including complaining to your card provider if you paid by card.  

You can check if the trader is a member of a trade association or quality scheme. If they are, they might have to follow certain rules, and if they’ve broken them you could get help to take your complaint further. They might be part of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme – a way of solving disagreements with a trader without going to court – or they might agree to use one. 

If the trader isn’t part of an ADR scheme, and you’ve already complained to your card provider and the complaint isn’t resolved, you may be able to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 

Anyone who is experiencing a problem with building work, decorating or home improvements can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for advice and support from a trained adviser. The helpline number is 0808 223 1133.  

22 June 2026

Hot weather

Published on Monday 22 June

” I love the summer, but when the weather heats up there are times when the temperature in our home can become unbearable. What can I do to try and keep it cool?”

An overheating home can make life very uncomfortable and could even have a negative impact on your health. Here are some simple steps you can take to help make your surroundings more bearable when the temperature rises: 

Let cool air in 

Open windows on opposite sides of your home to encourage air flow by letting warm air out and cooler air in. It’s best to do this overnight or early in the morning when the temperature outside tends to be cooler than it is inside. If you have a loft – opening the hatch can be a good way of letting heat escape. 

If you live in a property where you can only open one window (such as a converted building or a single room) – open internal doors to help the air circulate. 

Keep the sunshine out  

One of the most effective (and low cost) ways of keeping your home cool is to close your curtains or blinds on the side of the house where the sun is shining. Keep windows on all sides closed when it’s warmer outside than it is inside – typically late morning to early evening. Use fans instead.  

Use a fan 

Fans help circulate the air and create a breeze making your surroundings feel more pleasant. They are cheap to use – generally costing less than 2p an hour to run. Putting a fan by an open window can help draw fresh air into your home – as long as the temperature outside is cooler.  

Placing a bowl of ice cubes or ice packs in front of – but a safe distance from – a fan can help lower the temperature of the air circulating around the room.  

Escape the heat altogether 

If things get really unbearable, you might want to consider heading to the nearest air conditioned building if possible – such as a leisure centre or local library to escape the heat. 

Insulation can help 

Energy efficient homes are easier to keep comfortable year-round. A well-insulated property can help prevent unwanted heat from entering during the summer, while retaining warmth during the winter. So, if your home tends to overheat – consider: 

  • Improving your property’s wall and roof insulation 
  • Replacing windows – especially with ‘low-emissivity’ glass which has a coating that reflects UV and ultraviolet, helping prevent too much heat from the sun entering the home and helping keep heat inside the home in winter  
  • Ensuring the property is well ventilated via extractor fans and trickle vents  
  • Installing window shutters to provide external shading 
  • Adding solar panels which can be helpful if you tend to use more electricity for cooling fans and/or air conditioning  

 

You may be entitled to help with paying for improvements to make your property more energy efficient. Check Citizen’s Advice website for information about the schemes and grants that are available.   

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In Partnership With Macmillan CancerS upport
Yorkshire Building Society
Energy Saving Trust