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Saturday, 6 August 2011

Info Post
I thought it only fair to warn you that the following posting is going to have a considerable amount of swear words that you might consider inappropriate.  They will be used to describe the sheer impact that an ongoing situation is doing to my son's life and my life.  So, if you perceive the profanity in an offensive context, I would suggest you do not read any further.  Thank you.

For over two years, my son has struggled to get any work.  There have been fleeting glimpses of hope when he managed to get a bit of Agency work.  The first bit of employment went okay, at first, until the Agency only offered him one day a week, less money than on unemployment benefits.  During the few days he actually worked at the allocated job, my son felt very lonely, very left out.  For the people he worked with would not speak in English.  He was hoping to be involved in a bit of banter.  Banter that never came.  And thus, because of the dwindling hours and a lonely environment, my son went back on benefits.
Just before I left for my trip to Canada in early May, my son got another job via another Agency.  Before I left, the job was going well and he seemed happy in his work.  It was so wonderful to see the smile return to his face.  So uplifting to his see his confidence, his self esteem, take a turn for a much welcomed better.  This was of great relief to me knowing that he was working while I was away.  Upon my return, his job was still going well, but he had concerns.
The work, via the Agency, was with the local Council, which you might call 'City Hall', or 'local government'.  The work was designated out by a supervisor at the Council.  My son was getting three to four days a week whilst another young man, who started about two months after him, was getting five days a week. That particular young man's dad is a friend of the supervisor who determines the work rota. My son asked if he could perhaps get more work because he noted the chap in question was getting more work than him.  Well, the supervisor went ballistic and stated, 'I decide who works or who doesn't!'  The supervisor phoned the Agency and told them that he no longer wanted my son working for the Council.
Okay, perhaps my son could of phrased it in such a way that he just merely asked for more possible work.  However, that's not the point.  My son's morals are intact and he was questioning what I consider an outrageous injustice.  I'm fucking incensed and seething with rage and if it wasn't for the fact my son doesn't want me to get involved, I would love to meet that asshole who let my son go and tell the insecure, ego-tripping prick just what devastation he had caused in my son's life and my life.  However, I've heard a rumour that the supervisor may be losing his job because he has screwed around a few people.  I hate to be like this, but I hope the fucker loses his job.
Oh yes, I've seen it all before, I've been a victim of such bullshit in my work life.  Yes, it's, 'nudge, nudge, wink, wink',  the old 'face fit', 'not what you know, it's who you know, or blow',  situation.  And what of the consequences?  It's low-life scum like that supervisor, that have had a severe impact on the well being of my son.  Who the fuck do people like that supervisor think they are?  Fucking around with people's lives and probably not even giving a shit.
Sad, desperate and disillusioned, my son signed back onto unemployment benefits.  Benefits he had to wait a month for and they would not backdate the money.  And yes, the Job Centre.  He has to travel on the bus, at his own expense, to sign on for his benefits, a distance of twenty two miles, round trip.  One time, there were roadworks and the bus got to its destination, ten minutes late.  He went to sign on and he was told, because he was ten minutes late, that he could not sign on and would have to come back in six hours time  He tried to explain, but they would not listen.  And so, because he did not want to wander around for six hours on a cold November morning, he returned home and went back at the new time.  Job Centre, what the fuck is wrong with you?  For fuck sakes, a bit of leniency and a bit of respect, please.   Things are tough enough without you treating those who are trying to find work, like they are something that you scraped off your fucking shoe!
It's doing my head in seeing my son get so fucked about.  He feels 'trapped', wants to move out, get on with his life.  And you know what?  Oh, I cry for my son, for all of those who have similar stories to tell.  My young man, another youngster whose dreams have been dashed by this brutal economy and brutal people.  A young man who sees his qualifications going to waste.  Oh, I'm struggling to cope with it all.  I'm worried sick that any more knocks will wear him down.
Despite the fuckers with their lack of morals, I shall stay positive and focused on a more encouraging and optimistic future, for him and for all the desperate and decent young women and young men, who just want to get on with their lives.  And to all those who have the fucking audacity to devalue the humanity of those in sad and desperate situations, I say, how fucking dare you!

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