Economic Downturn
As many of us are aware we are in a credit crunch, an economic downturn or slow-down in the markets. All of these phrases, and many more, have been used to describe the negative change in the UK economy in the run up to the official announcement that we are in a recession. That announcement is anticipated between the time I draft this and the date of publishing so, for the purposes of this article I shall consider us to be in recession.
Disappearing companies
The change in the economy has been particularly evident in the city centre. The number of shops still emphasising reductions in price or promotions seems to be increasing, but each week it feels like another shop or chain closes. Even where the retailer is remarked as having been saved in the media, their continuing presence in Birmingham is not assured – Whittards is the prime example. As Zavvi get closer to closing their doors and Woolworths have gone, the news stories frequently remind us that the change in the retail markets is affecting the dwindling manufacturing market. What is important to remember in all this news about closing stores is how it will affect those who work for the companies. The news today is remarking on the highest levels of unemployment in over a decade (since 1997).
As the confirmation of recession comes closer, more and more news stories are considering what it will mean to be in recession, rather than when and whether it will happen. It seems necessary to remember that the recession will have more hidden as well as obvious consequences. It is acknowledged that women will fair worse than men, as the sectors affected lead to a disproportionately higher female workforce. Also employers are less likely to be flexible and understanding with the requests of their staff. The recession, the Home Office suggests, will also lead directly to a greater amount of domestic abuse as people can’t cope with the changing circumstances around them. And, if those thoughts weren’t challenging enough, even those getting divorced seem unable to separate fully as their houses frequently can’t be sold – enabling them to go their separate ways.
The affects of poverty become far wider than initial views suggest, but for some the changes in the lives of those in news stories will still seem too far away. For a significant percentage of the population the difficulties associated with this level of poverty are too well known – they have been living with them for a long time. It is a challenge to each of us to remember those for whom poverty within the UK is something they’re all too familiar with. We have the opportunity to explore what that might mean through the medium of story at Carrs Lane.
On February 5, as part of Poverty and Homelessness Action Week, a team of professional actors will be giving up their time free of charge to take part in a hard-hitting drama looking at homelessness and poverty in the UK. Starting at 7.30, the evening will give all who attend the opportunity to explore what poverty means in our own environments. Please do come along – the event is free, and we’re extremely fortunate to have the production coming to Carrs Lane.