the recession

[lettuce]

this is probably a really old topic now but has anyone REALLY been affected by it?

I keep hearing people talking about it but I dont see how it has actually affected them...Has anyone here been affected and had to make really drastic changes to their lifestyle?

[sn�gs]

Arn't the ''new shoots of recovery'' sprouting...

...a bit like a Triffid...

[craft1948]

well lettuce....I haven't been badly affected by it as the biggest change for me has been the drop in the interest rate on my savings.........but that's nothing compared to the poor s0ds who have lost their jobs.......

[lettuce]

erm really do you think so?

[lil123]

I have in terms of my energy usage bills being more than double and cost of food.
I am really struggling even though I have a good job but am a single parent

[lettuce]

thats pretty rubbish lil, do you think there is anyway out of it for people who are struggling?Is there really any help available out there?

[craft1948]

lil the increase in your fuel bills is nothing to do with the recession it's the bloody greedy power companies, the majority of which are foreign owned.....

[lil123]

I think tax you should able to earn more in terms of applying for working tax credits etc and more help with childcare.
I think I would be better off if I didn't work to be honest

[craft1948]

No Peace I am quite happy with aliens taking over our prime revenue producing businesses.......do you think the fantastic profits they make help this country in any way? Try and buy a company in France or Switzerland....they'll soon tell you where to go.
I have no problem with imports as we amazingly still do have a thriving export market (especially now the pound has gone down the plug hole).....rant over x

[craft1948]

Agreed Peace.........but it was the government made it possible for previously nationalised utilities to be sold off and now the british people are having to pay the price.

[caththecrazy]

I've gone back to work - part time - when I was a stay at home mum before - recession has hit hubby's business - he's in the motor trade

[dot.haukes]

Yes I have been affected, the company I work for have been caught up in the Icelandic bank problem and went into administration in Feb but were bought at the last minute. however, the new company has not been able to make a deal for the future with the host department store and is closing all the concessions in that chain of stores, hence I am now into my 90 day consultation period and as of august 19th myself and 749 other people will lose our jobs. (though I have already had a couple of interviews and probably will move companies before the closures)

[Postdog]

Well after Dot'sentry I feel a bit guilty saying this, but as someone with a job and a mortgage, I am well happy at the moment.

[dot.haukes]

lol Postdog, after 37 years of having a job and 27 years of having a mortgage it would be great to have a bit of a break!!! Alas it looks like I have found a new job, but i still wamnt to hand on for my redundancy cheque, it willl get me a new car and a decent fortnight in the carribean!

[Barmaid]

I've found that people are paying slower - but other than that my work is through the roof. Don't know whether I am coming or going.

[dot.haukes]

I'm the same Barmaid, we've had the best 12 months ever, it's a crying shame : ( People always want posh shoes, but now they'll not be getting them in Debs.