A UK debt industry leader's offering New Zealanders advice following a grim economic forecast. 

Infometrics data finds the economy's being hit harder than expected and it may be another year until it feels like the worst of the downturn is over.  

Steve Coppard told Mike Hosking that he’s urging households with increased debt to use the free mentorship available. 

He says people need to work with professionals to identify the barriers preventing them from escaping debt. 

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