Latest News from CCRmagazine.com, the website of Credit Collections & Risk Increase in number of payday loans as cost of living rises New research from a price comparison website shows the take-up of expensive short-term ‘payday’ loans has increased by over 55% since September.  16 May 2008 Read more here Staff sickies are giving employers a headache Absence from work cost the UK economy £13.2 bn last year as the average employee took almost seven days off sick. 16 May 2008 Read more here Welcome for Government's draft legislative agenda to help first time buyers The UK mortgage trade body has welcomed the announcement of plans to provide more help for first-time buyers, in particular the widening of access to shared equity schemes.16 May 2008 Read more here ► First time buyers turn to mortgage intermediaries More details here ► Treasury legislation to ensure financial stability and a fair society More details here ► Mortgage brokers told to advise customers if better deals exist More details here