I read with interest the letter 'Washed up at 50?' in the Evening Preess on March 28. I had also been employed since I was 16, and used to work as a sales executive, with a company car, mobile and laptop, until I was made redundant on Friday, December 13 (I am still not superstitious about this date). I had never been unemployed before, and I also do not have a degree. When I registered at the JobCentre I was informed that training would not be considered until I had been unemployed for six months.

It was obvious that I would have to change to a different form of employment from what I was used to, and as I also had computer skills I thought it would be sensible to learn to touch type. After I became respectable, i.e. up to approx 25/30 words per minute I enrolled with a number of employment agencies to work as a temp. I was willing to work at a very modest salary as this is better than staying home and feeling sorry for yourself.

I learned that many people find a permanent position by showing employers their worth.

To summarise, be optimistic, accept the new challenge, and you will soon find the job that you seek, as I have.

Peter Jones,

Barney Lane,

Flaxton, York.

Updated: 16:56 Friday, April 11, 2003