REGARDING "Redundancy 'pay' leaves a nasty taste" (Letters, March 8), exactly the same thing happened to my family in December, 2000.

My husband was made redundant after working for 30 years and paying taxes, insurance, etc.

We are also an honest, hardworking family and I always believed that if we ever hit hard times, this county, where we were born, would make sure we were looked after.

What a joke! After my husband 'signed on,' he was advised we were entitled to the princely sum of £51 per week. He could claim nothing for me, even though I do not work and nothing also for our daughter -- who, at that time, was at secondary school.

When he inquired if we could get any help with other expenses, such as our mortgage, council tax, health expenses, the answer was 'No' as we have some savings.

To say we were disgusted was an absolute understatement and, to add insult to injury, he was asked to attend a special interview after signing on only twice -- to ensure he was doing all he could to get a job.

All this confirmed our views that if you look after your money all that happens is you are penalised if you ever need any help.

My husband was out of work for a total of six months and is now in full time employment again. It wasn't easy and was certainly an eye-opening experience.

Good luck to your correspondent in his search for a job -- I'm sure if he is persistent something will turn up for you just as it did for us.

Name and address received.