Man talks about his 'radical' solution to unemployment

WITH unemployment figures in East Sussex at their highest since 1997, a Wadhurst man has talked about his solution.

Bruce Meredeen, 50, worked in human resources for organisations including the NHS before being made redundant in 2007.

Following this he moved through a succession of jobs, but said his last – working at a food processing factory during Christmas time last year making pigs-in-blankets – was a low point.

"I haven't been employed since December last year and I have found it difficult to get a job," he said. "So I decided to make a radical change."

Following advice from the Job Centre in Tunbridge Wells, Mr Meredeen, of Little Park, has become a salesman with new web-based company Ejobdown, which works as a marketplace for handyman and building jobs.

"I know being self-employed is not for everyone but I found it was something worth exploring.

"Mainly I have now found something to do with my time."

Talking about the period since leaving HR, Mr Meredeen spoke of how his confidence levels dropped, and how frustrating it was to be told he was over-qualified for certain positions.

He conceded that working in sales might not be a lifelong career, but was pleased to be working again. "I am learning new skills, sales skills which I didn't have before and are very useful in a number of things," he said.

Since March 2008 the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Wadhurst has risen from 11 to 41.

Anyone seeking advice on how to deal with unemployment should visit www.wealden.gov.uk/credit crunch for more information.