People coming out of the festive season with debt problems have been urged to seek help before getting into more trouble.

Debt agencies said thousands of people found themselves unable to afford new school uniforms and other start-of-the-year-expenses.

The economy emerged from a recession at the end of 2009 but job creation was not expected for a while.

“The first thing you must always do is go and chat to the banks. It’s in both the bank and your interest to resolve this matter. So go and see if you can get a solution there,” said ABSA bank’s Gustav Raubenheimer.

(Edited by Deshnee Subramany)