Credit Crunch

The current economic climate means many employers across North Yorkshire are tightening belts and cutting back. Inevitably job losses result and, for the individuals involved this is rarely a positive experience. At least not to start with.

Michael Millward, from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, told BBC Radio York's Russell Walker that staying positive is key to improving the situation.

"People need to look for positives; the skills that make them different, special and desirable to prospective employers."

On Monday 23rd February BBC Radio York's big red bus was on Parliament Street in York where experts and employers were on hand with advice. We spoke to some visitors to the bus about their situation.

Olivia from Malton is in her 20s and about to lose her job working for a local building company: "A couple of weeks ago we were told that quite a lot of us in the office and out on site were going to be made redundant. It was tough but I'd been expecting it. It's out of your control so you just have to think positively.

"Redundancy can leave you feeling quite empty, that you're not worthy. Although I'm still living with my parents I've got direct debits for my car etc, and that's a worry because you don't want to end up in debt."

Michael from York is in his 60s and has found it very hard to find work since losing his job last August: "I've put in for dozens of jobs but haven't had any success. I've always worked in agriculture and although it's hard work and I've never been on benefits before. I'm absolutely sure my age is one of the reasons I can't get work.

Future Prospects offer help and advice in York

"I've been going to the job centre and receiving benefits, but it's not fun. It's horrible. The £60 you get there's hardly worth having for all the hassle to get it. It's very demoralising. I've had three jobs in my life, just gone to a place on recommendation and walked in. CVs and interviews are completely new to me."

Christine is 43 and a buyer for a furniture manufacturer: "I was made redundant just before Christmas because of the downturn in the housing market. I'd worked there for over 13 years so it was quite a knock to my confidence initially; I thought 'Why me?'. But then if things really are that bad perhaps I'm better off looking for a new
job elsewhere. My confidence has been boosted because I've had some very good feedback from interviews even though I didn't get the job.

"At the bus I got some useful advice about how to improve my CV. I'll be going back to look at my CV and how I can customise it for different jobs."

So if you're dealing with, or facing redundancy the odds are your own approach will dictate how negative or positive your experience. There's also lots of advice and support available to help you prepare for job applications and interviews.