Ashiq is in his 50s. He had lived in the same city for over 30 years, with two decades of stable, full-time and well-paid work, before the factory closed down and he was made redundant. He has been searching methodically for jobs for weeks. He says, “We try everywhere. I can’t find the job. We try to every day. It’s very hard. Running the family is very hard. I worry every day because I’ve not got any money. I feel the trouble. Could you tell me what I should do? It’s not my fault. If I get a job, I’ll do the job.”

Source: Mary O’Hara (2014) Austerity Bites, Policy Press, 166