In an employment agency

Adviser: How long have you been out of work, Tom?

Tom: Oh, seven months; 500 of us were laid off ¹ at the same time.

Adviser: And what exactly did you do before?

Tom: Well, I started as a machine operator but eventually I became a foreman ² in charge of about fifty people.

Adviser: Really? How long did you work there?

Tom: For five years. I joined when I was twenty-five.

Adviser: And what did you do before that?

Tom: I was in the navy ³. I joined when I left school. I left when I decided to settle down.

Adviser: Oh, right, and what have you been doing since you lost your job?

Tom: A bit of part-time work, gardening and driving. I prefer being outside or travelling around when I can. And applying for jobs, of course.

Adviser: How many jobs have you applied for?

Tom: Around sixty, but there are very few opportunities.

Adviser: Mm. Your qualifications are good and you’ve got a lot to offer. Have you ever thought about working in a call centre?

Tom: I’m not sure it is for me. I could not stay all day in an office. I’d rather have an outside job in a park or garden centre, but I’d prefer to work in a factory like before.

Adviser: Unfortunately there are very few vacancies in those areas.

Tom: Yes, I’ve got to be realistic, I suppose and it’s hard bringing up a family on unemployment benefit ⁴. Tell me more about the call centre.

Adviser: Well, you would get proper training and learn some useful new skills…and there would be opportunities for promotion too.

Notes

1. попали под сокращение

2. впоследствии я стал прорабом

3. военно-морской флот

4. пособие по безработице

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