A tale from the North

This is a letter I’ve had from family members in the North of England.   I daresay most of us know people who have been affected by the Recession in similar ways, but it does set it all out, and make you think.

“We’re all ok.    xxxxx  seems fine after the 2nd heart procedure but is under a lot of stress at work….just like most other people right now.

“You remember his company went into administration last year and he stayed on to try and get a smaller new company up and running.   Well they’ve just about run out of money!!    He should get paid this month and there’s a possibility of next month too, but unless they can pick up some paid work I think that will be the end of that.   He may continue to work for nothing if there’s any light at the end of the tunnel but it is very tough in Construction right now.

“My company announced a 4 day week just as we got back from our holiday in Spain.   This meant that my 4 days were cut to 3, but as it is totally impossible for me to get the work done in that time, I work from home one day unpaid  -  better that than get no pay if we go under!!   It’s very hard for the staff in my office as even though the company hasn’t got as much work on – we still have about the same to do as always;  in some ways we have more to do.   Problem for me is that I am able to cover everyone’s roles, so if they’re not in one day and something from their duties has to be done – then I have to do it.   BUT they are not able to return the favour, which puts me under even more stress as I’ve even less time to do my own work.   Ah well, I think it’s much the same story all over at the moment.

“xxxxx (son)  hasn’t been paid since his February salary, and has now been told it will be 23rd May before there’s any money.   He’s had an interview with a different company, but it would mean his relocating from Glasgow to Edinburgh and it’s taken him over 3 years to establish any kind of social life where he is.   Plus the actual job isn’t quite as cutting edge, and the company is only a fraction of the size so he’s in a right old quandary.    He has been told that xxxxx are interested in him but that would mean moving to Germany.   Also his line manager is hoping to get something going with the whole of his team and start a new business working from Glasgow with funds from the EU.   Lots of balls in the air  -  don’t know where they’ll land!

“xxxxxx (daughter)  is much the same but managing to get some fun in her life.   Decided to take some classes and was asked by her teacher if she would perform at a local venue.   Since then she’s been to Manchester, York, Huddersfield and Hull, done several photoshoots in Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds, and is going to be an extra in a film which is being done in Newcastle.   These are all things she probably couldn’t have done if she’d been working though I’m sure I know which she would prefer.   Mostly she just gets paid her expenses but she has met some lovely people, got to wear some glamorous clothes, had her hair and make-up done, and had loads of compliments, so it’s boosted her morale no end.    She’s moving house to share a flat with just one other girl.   She can’t wait as this year’s been a nightmare with her housemates who haven’t been paying their share of bills and seem to enjoy living in filthy squalor!   Being an organiser, she has ended up with all the bills in her name and so she receives the threatening mail, but she seems to have it under control now.   She’s learned a lot I think.”