How to bag yourself a pay rise...

Wish you could secure a much-needed pay rise, but lack the confidence to ask for one? Over half of UK workers admit they're too fearful to ask their employer for more money, according to a survey by jobs website reed.co.uk.

When asked what's stopping them, 16% said they don't know what to say, 15% don't want to be seen as greedy, 12% are scared of asking their boss and 12% are worried about being turned down.

James Reed, chairman of Reed Recruitment, says: "A lack of confidence and self-belief are clear reasons why individuals may not find the courage to ask, however if you think you deserve a pay rise, why not ask for one?

"Consider the ways you have gone above and beyond at work and use it as evidence to show employers you deserve one. It is, of course, wise to choose your moment carefully - the business you work for is unlikely to give you more money if they are going through financial difficulties, so timing is everything.

"Showing that you understand business pressures will put you in good stead when asking for more money. If the answer is 'no', don't take it personally - use this as an opportunity to follow up and ask what more you need to do to earn one."

POUNDNOTES

Financial fact: The insurance industry paid a record of more than £5.3 billion in protection claims in 2018 - a £200 million increase year-on-year, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Group Risk Development (GRiD) said.

The number of claims paid also surpassed 200,000 for the first time, at 202,738.

The figures include claims covering critical illness, permanent disability, income protection and life insurance. The payout total equals around £14.5 million being paid for such claims every day.

ROYAL MINT COIN HONOURS 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY LANDINGS

A £2 coin commemorating the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, seen as a crucial turning point in the Second World War, has been launched by the Royal Mint.

The Mint said the coin was designed as a tribute to those who planned and participated in the epic landing operations on June 6, 1944. Created in association with Imperial War Museums (IWM), the commemorative coin is not going into general circulation and is available to buy from the Royal Mint's website, with prices ranging from £10 for a brilliant uncirculated version to £845 for a gold proof coin.

FCA EXPLORES GENERATIONS' CHANGING FINANCIAL NEEDS

A debate into the financial challenges facing different generations has been kicked off by the City regulator. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) wants to hear feedback by August 1 to its discussion paper exploring people's changing financial needs.

Christopher Woolard, executive director of strategy and competition at the FCA, said: "From baby boomers, to generation X to millennials - everyone's financial needs and circumstances are evolving. It is clear each generation will have its own challenges."

CONCERNS OVER FREE ACCESS TO CASH

Communities are being stripped of their free access to cash at an "alarming" rate, according to Which? The consumer group said fees of at least 95p per withdrawal were imposed on nearly 1,700 machines between January and March this year.

John Howells, chief executive of ATM network Link, said: "Free access to cash is vital for consumers and the UK enjoys extensive coverage that Link is committed to protecting. There are more than 50,000 free-to-use ATMs across the UK, 10,000 more than we had in 2009, and currently 12,700 pay-to-use cash machines, down from over 23,000 in 2009. Less than 3% of withdrawals at Link ATMs incur a fee."