For the first time in my young life, yesterday I was referred to as ‘a man of my age’.
On the way to a business appointment last evening, the driver asked whether I could hear a knocking sound in his car. Upon my reply that I could not, he said in a totally matter-of-fact manner that he was not surprised, as another man of similar age failed to spot the obtrusive noise as well. “Must be something to do with men of your age,” he said.
Clearly a sacking offence. I’m biding my time. Men of our age can’t rush into things, as we may put our back out.
But should he join the unemployment line for such outrageous comments, he will be comforted by the news this week that jobless figures have gone down for the first time in 18 months.
The national unemployment currently stands at 7.8%, down from 7.9%.
However, youth unemployment in Cornwall continues to rise. At 3,155, the December 2009 saw the highest number of 18-24 year olds claiming Jobseekers Allowance in December over the past 12 years. Those aged 18-24 now account for 33% of those claiming Job Seekers Allowance in Cornwall.
As for unemployment figures for men of my age, I don’t know. Not that I should really worry, however, as the care home is clearly just around the corner.
