Money troubles see mothers return to work

Some 3.5 million mothers are being forced back to work due to money problems.

And new figures from Scottish Widows show there are more than 11 million households in the UK that are reliant on two incomes to stay afloat.

"This reliance on two incomes to buy and run the family home means millions of households are effectively doubling the risk of financial hardship should one of bread winners become unable to work," said Richard Jones of Scottish Widows.

And even with both parents working, families with dependent children are more in debt than others in the UK.

The average family with two children owes £100,600 all in - £19,100 more than those with no children on average, Scottish Widows figures show.

"The mixture of relatively low interest rates and high job security means borrowing has been an attractive option in recent years," said Mr Jones.

"The problem is that servicing this debt eats into our take home pay and exposes us to financial hardship should we be unable to work. Low inflation also means debts are eroded more slowly over time – again increasing the need for financial protection."