The number of job losses hitting this country are dilligently reported by the papers and the figures relating to unemployment are frequently changing and always provided. The rate of unemployment benefit has become a subject of much political debate as politicians attempt to curb the massive economic crisis the country faces. But do any of these politicians actually understand the reality behind these statistics?
I faced a relatively short term of unemployment. For approximately 2 months I was without a job and even for that brief period I was hit by the debilitating effects of unemployment. It is extremely difficult to motivate yourself when you have no job. Your self worth plummets and you question your value as a person. Shame sets in and it becomes extremely difficult to face the world. This especially hurts when on public transport, surrounded by working people that have an opportunity to contribute to society. It truly is terrible.
Trying to summarise these emotions with statistics and figures is also terrible. Obviously governments cannot practically review every individual circumstance and must try to gain an overall understanding of a situation in order to make an overall decision. But the vast majority of these politicians have no idea what unemployment is really like. These statistics are meaningful for the person affected by them but are hollow for the people who have the power to affect the situation.
Until politicians find empathy behind statistics there will be a massive rift between them and the unemployed and struggling voters.
-The English Student
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