MADAM, I read the article in the Ross Gazette last week regarding unemployment but thought I would give the Jobcentre a chance of offering help and support one more time before I made comment.

Although I really appreciate the difficulties faced by the young in Ross I would like to point out that it is equally as difficult for the older unemployed also.

I have worked full time continually for the last 30 years with different employers and a range of roles but unfortunately was made redundant from Herefordshire Council at the end of September last year. Although I have applied for many posts over the last few months I have not even had an interview.

I attend the Jobcentre regularly and have to say that I find their attitude extremely condescending and patronising. It was not my choice to be unemployed after so many years and yet they feel the need to regularly tell me its my responsibility to find work and to look wider than my skill base and be prepared to take any position or job. I do not feel that this helps the young anymore than it helps me as some of the opportunities are ideal for the young with little experience but may well be taken up by older candidates just because they do have more work experience.

Suitability seems to be an issue with organisations like the Jobcentre who really are out to try and minimise the figures of unemployment on behalf of our present government.

I know my comments do little to improve things but has made me feel a little better that I can vent my own personal frustrations in the present climate.

Viv Kendell, Ross