Gizza Job.

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The above title comes, of course, from Alan Bleasdale's drama, "Boys From the Blackstuff", in which the unemployed Yosser Hughes tries to find work in Thatcher's Britain. His saying, "gizza job", became part of the consciousness of the '80s. Now, it seems, I myself may be repeating that sad, affecting slogan as I have just started the process of trying to find some paid work.
On Tuesday I went to see a Disability Employment Adviser at my local job centre. I haven't set foot in such a place for many years, and I have to say that there seemed to me to be a marked improvement in the attitude of the staff who work there. The DEA herself was polite, even understanding about my position, and gave me some valuable advice about writing my CV and also on other "soft" skills. She pointed out, after making some calculations, that I would be significantly better off even if I only did part-time work at minimum wage and, frankly, that's something that I find a great incentive. After many years on benefits, having little money can become tiring, irksome and frustrating. I simply don't understand people who think that benefits claimants choose to be in this position - that it is some form of career choice for us. With job seeker's allowance adding up to (so I was told on Tuesday) around £70 a week, how can people possibly think that that provides for anything but the most basic of existences.
Also, the job market doesn't seem to be exactly buoyant at the moment. With our well known economic problems, unemployment is once again a prospect faced by many. In fact, I may have seen a few who looked a little bit like Yosser Hughes as I entered the job centre. Youth unemployment, in particular, appears to be a significant issue.
But, I am going at least to try to find work. Having not heard about the other voluntary position I was interviewed for a while back, I thought I might as well take the plunge and once again enter the fray. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say. So, I'll be setting off around Stoke-on-Trent, intoning to all that "I can do that", hoping that someone will indeed gizza job.    

Comments

bazza said…
Hello David. I think a prospective employer will do very well to get an intelligent and willing person, possibly for minimum wage!
Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
21 June 2012 at 02:31
Lost in Space said…
Good luck with the job search. I hope you are able to find something that is positive for you.
21 June 2012 at 11:41
klahanie said…
Dear David,
First of all, refreshing to hear that you were treated with respect at the DEA.
And all the very best in your pursuit in meaningful paid employment. Of course, most benefit claimers would much rather be out there working and contributing, rather than feeling trapped in such a lousy situation.
Make sure you shave well, my hairy friend!
Best wishes, Gary
21 June 2012 at 17:37
David said…
Dear bazza, Lost in Space, Gary,
Thanks all for your interest and support. I hope this all goes to plan, and I can get at least some part-time work. As you say, bazza, they'd be lucky to have me! And, Gary, I'll be sure to shave well before any interviews!
Best Regards,
David.
21 June 2012 at 21:55
Dixie@dcrelief said…
Hi David. I enjoyed your post, certainly have empathy, and hope things go well for you.
In kindness.
22 June 2012 at 00:54
David said…
Thanks, Dixie. I hope things go OK, too. As I said in my post, I suppose it's a case of nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Very Best Wishes,
David.
22 June 2012 at 03:24
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