Martin Lewis LIVE — Expert gives major energy bill update in Money Show as Brits face 20% rise; plus state pension tips

DWP shares tips for finding work this year

The Department of Work and Pensions has shared some essential tips for finding a new job this year.

On its website, the DWP outlined several key steps to take before applying for a new job.

1. “Do your research – Make sure you research the company or sector you are interested in. Don’t submit an application without drilling into the finer details of a vacancy. ”
2. “Update your CV – Tailor your CV to the role you are applying for. Many of your skills will be transferable, so make sure you are highlighting relevant experience.”
3. “Think about what works for you – Whether you are looking for a full-time workplace-based role or part-time role with more flexibility, you can find a job that suits your circumstances. 
4. “Be flexible – Why not explore opportunities in a new industry? There could be the perfect new role just waiting for you.  Don’t worry if you don’t have experience in this sector, the skills you already have could be used in a new role”

Read the rest of the tips here.

Save £15 at Iceland when you spend £35 or more

Iceland is offering £15 off for online shoppers through the money-saving offer from Topcashback.

This offer is valid until March 31 to new customers that spend a minimum of £35.

To claim the offer:

1. Sign up to TopCashback via this link
2. Click ‘Get Cashback Now’ button on the offer page
3. Shop at Iceland as normal via the TopCashback links and spend £35 or more to qualify
4. The cashback will then track and appear in your TopCashback account within 7 working days of your purchase.
5. When the payment is made to your TopCashback account, you will then be able to withdraw the funds to your own bank account.

Urgent warning to 820,000 people on Universal Credit

Thousands on Universal Credit could miss out on a £900 cost of living payment, a think tank has warned.

The free cash is set to be paid out in three instalments to help those on certain benefits with the cost of living.

But experts at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) are warning that 825,000 hard-up households won’t qualify for the cash.

It said this is because eligibility will depend on being on Universal Credit at least one month before each payment is due.

This means people with unpredictable earnings could miss out entirely if they happen to earn a bit more in the qualifying month.

An IFS report said: “We estimate that, as a result, in each of the three relevant months there will be around 825,000 people who earn slightly more than is consistent with Universal Credit eligibility and who, as a result of missing out on the cost-of-living payment, end up with less income than other similar people who earn less.”

That’s all for tonight folks

That’s all for our live coverage of tonight’s episode.

We hope you found Martin’s energy advice helpful!

Stick with our live blog for more cost of living tips and news you can use.

Most Brits pay up to 15% of their income on energy every month

As revealed by Martin Lewis’ poll today, most Brits pay between 5% and 15% of their income on energy bills every month.

A staggering 9% of people pay over 30% of their income just to keep the heating on.

Free debt advice

If you’re in debt there are plenty of services you can take advantage of and they offer free advice on how to manage debt.

Most of them can offer you free guidance and help in person, over the telephone or online.