Like Bitt, I was also unemployed August 2001 to January 2002, and I am again (since August this year) unemployed. I have not been awarded unemployment benefit despite having paid all tax and social security premiums at top rate in this country for the last 12 years. I regularly receive statements of eligibility for unemployment benefit, but when I need it, I can't get it.

Tony, whilst there is a gem of truth in what you say, I rather resent the tone with which you pitch it. Although I could "flip burgers" or go for a "Help Wanted", I would be unlikely to get much more than the national minimum wage. This means that in the even that I was awarded unemployment, the time working at minimum wage would be deducted, and the unemployment benefit paid would derive from the last paid income, rather than the normal salary level I have spent some 20 years in software and electronics building up. I admit to being pretty pissed off that a market collapse can abitarily devalue my skills so much that I am unable to earn at the level I started at in 1982

I have a family to feed, and the pressure I am under to find work in a depressed work sector is almost beyond what I can deal with: with the approach to Christmas, all the agencies and employers simply stop hiring and there will be nothing coming up again until after the hangovers have receded at the end of January next year.

I have been applying for 3-5 jobs per day for several months now: with phone follow ups (which cost a fortune, incidentally), I have had - guess - a total of 8 positive submissions, of which all have failed. Not a good return ratio, eh? Given that I have two degrees and various post grad qualifications, plus some 20 years experience, doesn't this tell you something about the job market?

I agree, spamming for fun & profit is scumbag territory - but don't patronise the people who are out of work for reasons that may be out of their control.

You are probably one of the lucky ones in a decent job, who can relax over Christmas with a pint and the TV. Me? I'm going to borrow some more money off my family to try and buy the next meal