I have a friend, in fact she was an employee of mine over 20 years ago, she is 41 and unmarried, perfect I have thought for any employer, no ties, no children and probably not likely to have any.

Anyway, she has been seeking employment since February of this year, she has applied for over 160 jobs, she is very meticulous, keeps a record of the jobs she has applied for, date of application that kind of thing. The number of companies who have had the courtesy to respond, even if a negative reply, is astounding, 9 times out of 10 no response. My friend has attended many interviews, so far she has not been able to secure a new job, following an interview, then a follow up interview I do think it would be common courtesy to at least let the applicant know if they have been successful or not - not these days companies just don’t bother.

My friend has engaged in conversation with interviewers about the state of the job market, the response is always the same, recruitment is being put on the back burner, the increase in employer NI contributions has meant companies are cutting back on staff, the blame sits firmly with the Government.

Rachel Reeves reckoned that increasing Employer NI contributions would help growth and bring in much needed revenue, going on what I am being told, also what I read, this is not the case, companies are getting rid of staff, recruitment has more or less stopped, so what has happened more and more people are now unemployed, unable to find work so consequently they now have to claim out of work benefits - that has worked out very well for the Government, I just wonder how much revenue the NI increase has generated against the growing claims for unemployment benefits, I think I might just know the answer!!