Automotive charity Ben is supporting workers in the automotive industry who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

In its recent health and wellbeing survey, the organisation discovered that one in five automotive people are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living, with energy, petrol and food bills at an all-time high.

Ben's free Life Coaching service can support individuals to help them to better plan and budget, and devise strategies to improve their relationship with money, putting them in a stronger position to be in control of their finances now, and in the future. 

Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing director at Ben, said: “Our Life Coaching service is designed to empower people – to give them the tools and strategies to improve their lives and achieve their goals. It’s free, it’s confidential and it’s working. We are already seeing people benefiting from the service, taking control of things that have been challenging them, and moving their lives forward in a positive and confident way.

“We are inundated with calls at the moment from people who are struggling with the rising cost of living. There is no shame in asking for help. In fact, it is the most sensible thing to do – we have Life Coaches ready to help you to fix your finances and money worries, giving you a stronger foundation to build from in the future. Take the first step towards making a positive life change and get in touch today.”

Car retail businesses have been advised to "flex" staff bonuses and salary sacrifice schemes to mitigate against the impact of the cost-of-living crisis as UK inflation continues to soar.

As Office of National Statistics (ONS) data for May showed that UK inflation had reached a 40-year high of 9.1% amid accelerating fuel, energy and food costs, it emerged that the trend had left regular pay falling at the fastest rate since 2001.

Between March and May, pay excluding bonuses was down 2.8% year-on-year when adjusted for inflation – the fastest drop since records began.

Pay including bonuses was down 0.9% when adjusted for inflation.

Family-owned franchised dealer group Sandicliffe gave all its staff a special payment of £500 in April to help them cope with the rising costs of living.

Ben’s Life Coaching service is free for anyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry. You can sign up and get started today by calling our free and confidential helpline on 08081 311 333 and asking for ‘Life Coaching’ or by completing an online form.