Our job-loss fears

WOOLWORTHS has closed and other businesses are struggling as the recession bites hard. Workers at Vauxhall have even been asked to consider a pay cut so that the firm doesn’t have to make redundancies. The Chronicle asked shoppers in Oldham town centre if they are fearful of losing their job — and if they would accept a pay cut to stay in employment.

THE deepening recession has worried almost everyone the Chronicle spoke to.

Many were worried their job could be the next to go as businesses look to make savings.

The credit crunch has hit big names and with High Street giants like Woolworths going under and Marks & Spencer cutting jobs, no-one feels safe.

Kerry Harris (30), from Lees, works for mobile phone giant Orange. She says business is still good.

“To be honest, we’ve not seen a reduction. We still have the customers. People seem to see mobile phones as a necessity now.”

Speaking about the possibility of pay cuts to keep firms afloat, she added: “It’s unfair because you have bills to pay just the same.

“It’s hard to take a pay cut when you are used to living off that amount of money, it would affect everything. No-one would be happy about that.”

Francis Danzi (17), from Stalybridge, works as a shop assistant while studying at Oldham College.

He said: “It does worry me. I think the recession will get worse and more businesses will go under. I would consider a pay cut as it wouldn’t affect me as much as I live with my parents but I would still like to get the same money.”

Nick Salisbury (17), from Alkrington, runs his own web posting internet business while studying.

He said: “If I’m honest, I have not found any difference during the recession, which is surprising.

“I’m worried things will get worse though as websites are one of the things that will feel the impact.”

Netty Ashmore (44) and daughter Naomi (25) work at the Last Orders pub in Oldham where business is still booming, despite hard times.

Netty said: “Up to now everyone is still spending so it’s OK.

“We are worried about the future though. Businesses around us are struggling.”

Naomi added: “I thought it would be very quiet just after Christmas but we are the cheapest pub around so everyone comes to us.”

Alan Shoreman (51) is from Wythenshawe and works as an employment adviser in Oldham.

Even in his line of work, he and colleagues are fearful that future cutbacks could bring job losses. He said: “It is a cause for concern and I am worried about the economy. We are under contract like everyone else and we’re not immune to the general downturn.”

Sharifa Yasmin (24), from Oldham, is studying a writing course with the Writer’s Bureau while submitting articles to earn money at the same time.

She’s had work published by magazines such as Pick Me Up and other publications but has noticed that the recession has seen magazines less likely to pay for freelances.

The young mum said: “I have noticed magazines not paying as much.

“Professionally, I’m looking to go into writing but I don’t know what field I want to go into and it does worry me.

She added: “From past experience, being in Oldham it’s difficult to get a job.”

Taxi driver Imran Khan (27), from Hathershaw, has found fewer customers. He said: “It has slowed down to be honest.

“It’s not what it used to be. We are getting along but have to put extra hours in to make ends meet.

“People don’t have as much money and it affects everyone. People aren’t going out as much.

One Oldham man said he had been a property lawyer in Manchester for seven years but was made redundant in November as the market crashed.

But he has written plays that have gone into production before and is using the extra spare time to polish off some new scripts.

He added: “I’m looking for a job now but there’s quite a lot around.

“There are good jobs out there. I have identified about 12 legal jobs and I’m sending off my CV today.

“If things come up I should get a job as I have lots of experience and qualifications.”