redundancy survivors

Losing your job can be a huge blow – emotionally as well as financially. But it can also be an opportunity for a change as these

three women found out

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Tracey Anne Quirk, 35, is married to Graham, 36. Two years ago, Graham was made redundant, forcing Tracey to take on full-time work. They have two children, George, 14, and Samuel, 12, and live in Walsall, West Midlands.

Photographs Angela Spain Styling Rob Merrett

Tracey’s bounce-back tip Keep your sense of humour, don’t despair.This could be a whole new opportunity.Also, don’t be afraid to find out what helpyou may be entitled to. Visit hmrc.gov.uk to find out about the support available.

‘I became the breadwinner’

The

‘Ever since I’d had my kids, I’d been their primary carer. I had a part-time job in a travel call centre, but I was there when they came home from school, which was really important to me.

‘A few months before the factory where Graham worked closed, he’d been put on short time – working three or four days a week. We thought this was to prevent redundancies, so when he got told he was losing his job it was a shock.

‘I increased my hours to make up a little of the lost income but it didn’t match his salary. I had to ask my employers for a full-time permanent contract, which meant working shifts until 10pm some nights.

‘It was very difficult. I felt as though I wasn’t being the mum I wanted to be. I was missing cooking dinner, days out with the boys, simple things like watching TV in the evenings together and I also had to work weekends. The job that I’d previously enjoyed to help us pay for holidays, days out and treats had become a necessity and the downturn

in travel sales also made me worry for my own earnings. Luckily I was given the chance to move to a high-street branch where my hours were more regular.

‘Graham became the one who looked after the boys the most. After the shock of the redundancy notice had subsided, he decided to go to university. He’s now in his final year, and works 15 hours a week as a coach at a local academy.

‘Working full-time has made me more ambitious and I was promoted recently. Learning to budget for weekly expenses has been rewarding, too. There’s a huge sense of achievement when you make one chicken last for three family meals. In fact, I often cook in the morning before work, just simple meals like a cottage pie or casserole, that Graham can heat up that evening.

‘Time to myself is very precious now. But I’ve come to realise that I have to do what is best for everyone and the outcome will hopefully result in an even better life for all of us.’

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real life

Single mum of three Sharon Cooper-Collins lost her job in 2006. Sharon, 42, from Hertfordshire, lives with her children Jade and Tarryne, both 23, and Conner, 19.‘Apart from a short time when I was having the girls, I’d worked full-time ever since leaving school. So losing my job as an operations assistant with the rail industry was a huge blow to my confidence. There was no warning, so it was difficult financially and, as a single parent of three children, it was also extremely stressful. Money was very tight.

‘It got to the stage where some mornings I didn’t even want to get dressed, I was so depressed. Then one day I realised that I just couldn’t carry on like this –my redundancy money was all gone, I needed to support my family and I didn’t want my kids to have a mum who didn’t work. Plus I had lots of experience and skills so I knew there had to be a job out there for me somewhere.

“Right, today you’re going to look for a new job,” I told myself. I went online and searched on all the job sites (such as fish4jobs.co.uk or workhound.co.uk). Eventually I found a role as a PA for a small charity that helps support Scottish service families with their kids’ education, including helping to provide

school books. It was at the lowest grade I could afford to take but it sounded ideal – it was local and interesting. I applied, got the job and was quickly promoted to Grants Officer, a job I absolutely love.

‘Being made redundant was tough but it made me realise that no industry is secure any more, so it’s important to keep your skills up to date. And actually, things have worked out for the best. My new role is exactly what I needed – it’s rewarding, challenging, and it’s a pleasure to go to work in the morning.’

‘I changed career’

Sharon’s bounce-back tip It’s important to focus on the positive and try not to get too disheartened. Keep going and eventually you’ll find the right role. For advice on applying for jobs, visit jobseekersdirect.gov.uk

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real life

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Sarah Pittendrigh, 40, lives with her partner Stewart, also 40, and son William, 12, in Northumberland. She lost her job at the height of the recession. ‘In 2008, I was sales and marketing director for an events company that supplied corporate activities such as team-building days. When the recession hit, the first things companies cut were hospitality and events, so the business went under.

‘At the time I was a divorcée with no salary, so claimed income support immediately. But this barely covered the mortgage and I was terrified we’d lose our home. Signing on at the job centre was awful. I’d always worked to support myself, and my confidence was at an all-time low. But having the time at home made me realise just how much I had missed out on my son’s life while

working. So I decided I could use this opportunity to shape a career for myself that would fit around my family. I had nothing to lose.

‘Ever since I’d helped my brother and his wife plan their wedding I’d noticed a gap in the market for chair covers and table linen with a creative edge, so I came up with the idea for simplybowsandchaircovers.co.uk. I’d heard that Business Link would support new businesses, so I contacted an advisor and arranged a meeting. I prepared a business plan with all my projected forecasts and they in turn agreed to support me with 50 per cent funding towards my website, company vehicle and marketing materials. Within the first year I achieved 20 per cent over forecast, and three years on, I’ve franchised the company. We have 10 offices and

I’ve retained County Durham as my area. My former husband and I are now back together and will be remarrying in March. I believe we’ve been given this second chance as a direct result of the company.

‘I now work from home, which gives me more time with my son and husband, and franchising the company has meant opportunities for people in a similar situation. I was lucky to tap into this market at just the right time. My redundancy was the best opportunity I could have been given.’

‘I started my own company’

Sarah’s bounce-back tipIf you feel you’ve been stuck in a rut,redundancy could be the push you need to change your life. It may be a chance to retrain or to start your own business. Visit businesslink.gov.uk to find out about grants and support in your area. For a range of training courses go to learndirect.co.uk.

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