After a CCJ, a creditor can apply to the county court for an Attachment of Earnings Order. The court sets a 'protected earnings rate' — the amount you must be left with after deductions — and a 'normal deduction rate' taken from your pay above that.
The formula is based on your income and family situation. Ask for the calculation in writing and challenge it if it doesn't match your actual outgoings. Council tax and magistrates' court fines use different, more rigid formulas.
An AEO applies to employees, not the self-employed. If you change jobs or become self-employed, the order lapses — but you should still deal with the underlying debt, or the creditor may take further action.
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