A recent BBC National Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey showed that redundancies in the UK during the three months to September 2020 hit a record of 314K. Nevertheless this has not stopped people from other European countries hit by unemployment from coming here to look for jobs.
Amidst the pandemic and with the Brexit clock ticking, these courageous immigrants face tough competition for the few jobs that remain aftar all those redundancies. The combination of a national lockdown and the prospect of recession means that finding a job here has become a matter of the survival of the fittest.
Previously a graphic designer, Mario came to Mile End at the beginning of October to live with his brother and to find a job. Unfortunately for him COVID-19 means that Job Centres are not issuing National Insurance numbers right now, which has made it extremely challenging for him. Mario told Rising East, “I have tried everything. LinkedIn, Job Today, Indeed… I went to a recruitment company, but no luck either. This is a lot tougher than I thought, but I will remain here until someone gives me a job”
Last August, Jorge and Suleima came to East London together. Ever since then the couple have lived in shared accommodation, as many do in this city. The cost of living has become a worry to them as they are living off their savings and neither has found a job yet.
Jorge lived in London once before, for six months in 2018. He thought that this time was going to be similar to back then. “When I came the first time, it only took me a week or so to find my previous job. Unfortunately, the company I used to work for has now closed, so they cannot help. Every month that goes by I become more anxious. Money coming out, but none coming in”, he said. “We have been paying £800 every month for our room and spending money on food shopping. All our savings are vanishing in front of our eyes and we don’t know what to do. This situation is depressing, and we are desperate”, Suleima added.
Alexandra, whose background is in marketing, moved from Madrid to Barking at the beginning of September. After a one-month unlucky hunt for a job in her field, her friend – who manages a cleaning company – offered her a job. “This job is not what I had in mind. But considering the current situation, I count myself as one of the lucky ones. I have been fortunate enough to keep my job during this second lockdown, whilst many keep being made redundant and looking for employment”, she said.