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23 August 2006
The number of female bankrupts is on the rise, according to figures released today by accountancy firm Wilkins Kennedy.
Over the past year the proportion of bankrupts who are female rose to 44 per cent from 42 per cent - and this is a 12 per cent increase in the figure for 2002, fuelling concern that women could account for half of all bankrupts before the decade is out.
Keith Stevens, the firm's insolvency partner, warned: "It is difficult to see the situation getting any better because so many people are already teetering on the brink of the precipice.
"A modest rise in interest rates or a fall in income could be enough to tip them over the edge."
Women's salaries have not kept up with their need to be financially independent, Mr Stevens suggested, while the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) also revealed that the number of women approaching it for help has increased - but put this partly down to females' greater preparedness to seek assistance.
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