Financial expert warns that the true impact of Covid-19 in Inverclyde is yet to come

Financial Fitness, which is based on West Stewart Street and offers assistance with welfare benefits and budgeting, saw 1,000 new clients during lockdown.

Boss Paul Findlay believes this is the tip of the iceberg and worse is still to come.

Paul said: "We had a lot of clients we would have never normally seen.

"A lot of people have been affected - people losing their jobs, or facing a reduction of income due to furlough or having to go part-time.

"We were typically seeing middle income households where both partners had been working before and one of them had lost their job.

"You have a lifestyle based on your income and difficult decisions have to be made.

"You have to cut your cloth, it more about budgeting smart."

Staff working from home dealt with 1,084 new inquiries, with around 20 per cent of coming from people affected by Covid -19.

Money advisor Ian Gallacher has been on hand to help people and assist them to manage debt.

He said: "People have experienced a big change in circumstances, such as losing their jobs.

"We have been offering benefit and money advice and helping to liaise with creditors."

Paul says the real effects of the coronavirus crisis are are still to hit home.

He said: "This is the tip of the iceberg.

"The longer term effects are still to be felt.

"The furlough scheme was a safety net, more people could be laid off when the percentage the government is paying reduces to 60 per cent.

"There is also the mental health effects of the people being stuck at home for a number of months.

"We must be prepared for that over the next few months and years."

Paul, who has been manager with the service for 20 years, said: "I haven't experienced anything like this before and I think it is still early days.

"We are still not seeing the full impact.

"You wouldn't expect to see big companies and high street retailers to close.

"You would think staff would be a bit more protected with a big company.

"Inverclyde has always had its challenges with its economy and jobs and it was hit hard by the pandemic.

"I am hopeful there won't be a second wave as long as people follow the guidelines."

Paul is encouraging people who need help to reach out, saying those who are struggling can get help assistance quickly.

Paul said: "Sometimes people feel embarrassed about asking for help but everyone will be treated with dignity and in confidence."

*To contact the Financial Fitness service call 01475 729239 or email finfitteam@yahoo.co.uk