AdviceUK today published a landmark report cautioning that staff shortages threaten to undermine the free and independent advice sector, which millions who are most in need in our society rely on. With the cost-of-living crisis and the current strain on the welfare system, advice services are the first line of support for many, but services struggle to meet the skyrocketing demand. It is the latest in a string of concerns raised by advice services and AdviceUK, their membership body, about the dire pressures facing the sector.
Based on the experiences of AdviceUK members and a literature review, the report paints a deeply concerning picture of an advice sector that is at a breaking point. Advice services offer a lifeline, providing essential advice, support, and solutions to millions of people each year on a diverse range of issues, including welfare benefits, debt, housing, immigration, and health. However, the report reveals that despite their crucial role, they are under intense strain across Britain: demand for free, independent advice in 2024–2025 was 40% higher than the 2018–2022 average (1).
Despite the drastic increase in individuals and families seeking free and independent advice, almost all organisations (88%) report major recruitment and retention difficulties (2), with the average advice service needing three more advisers to meet demand, while losing three staff or volunteers in the past year (3). Advice services fear they won’t be able to meet the needs of those turning to them for support, with only one in ten feeling extremely confident they have the resources to operate beyond the next year (4).
The advice workforce crisis is among the top three issues currently affecting the sector (5). It is driven by ongoing funding insecurity, which contributes to lower salaries and short-term contracts across much of the sector. The solution is obvious – clear entry routes, high-quality training, and improved funding. With this, advice can be a rewarding, attractive career, bringing in people from every background and giving them reasons to stay.
Liz Bayram, Chief Executive of AdviceUK said:
“Advice services support people at moments of real jeopardy – when a missed bill, a rent increase or a benefits decision can tip a family from coping into crisis. Early advice prevents problems from escalating, saves homes, jobs, and sometimes lives. It also eases pressure on already-stretched public services. That is why a strong, skilled advice workforce is an essential social infrastructure.
While advice is expected to underpin flagship government policies, such as Neighbourhood Health Hubs, advice services are under so much pressure that governments cannot rely on their availability to support these initiatives.
Our report offers a practical and targeted solution. We are calling for National Advice Workforce strategies in England, Scotland, and Wales, bringing governments and the sector together to co-design solutions – just as is done in health, education, and childcare. It is time for governments to recognise advice as a key partner in public service delivery and show leadership in ensuring people are attracted to and stay in the advice workforce.
This is not only the right thing to do for the millions of people who rely on advice services; it is sound public value. Every £1 invested in free specialist advice saves around £2.70 in wider public costs by preventing problems from escalating into the NHS, courts and councils (6). A practical, sector-informed workforce plan will help governments realise those savings faster.”
Iranian & Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO) is a women’s rights organisation that focuses on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), founded to support women from BME backgrounds culturally specific to the MENA region — North Africa and the Middle East. Like many independent advice providers, they too are facing recruitment challenges. Nasima Abukar, Communications & Campaigns Manager, and former adviser said:
“Limited funding restricts the organisation’s ability to offer competitive salaries, while short-term contracts make it harder to attract and retain qualified professionals in a high-stress sector.”
“With the increasing cost-of-living crisis and cuts to public services, you find that lots of people rely on charities such as ours. Investment in specialised training is therefore key, not only to strengthen advisers’ knowledge but also their confidence when facing complex and sensitive issues.”
AdviceUK will write to the relevant ministers in the UK, Scottish, and Welsh governments to share the report’s recommendations for tackling the workforce crisis and securing the future of these vital organisations. The strategies should include:
The report was launched as part of AdviceUK’s #AdviceSaves campaign.
AdviceUK is a national charity and the largest network of independent advice centres in the UK, delivering free specialist advice to millions of people each year on a diverse range of issues. Run by and for its nearly 700 members, we provide support, a community and development opportunities for members, as well as a voice on issues that affect them.
Launched in 2024 during AdviceUK’s first-ever Advice Week, the #AdviceSaves campaign shines the spotlight on the invaluable work of AdviceUK members and independent advice organisations across the UK.
Ceren Gunel, Press Officer: press@adviceuk.org.uk or 07955 296206
