Credit crunched man turns blogger

Mr Williams says the blog helps him keep focused on what he needs to do

A factory worker made redundant is sharing his experiences at life at the sharp end of the economic downturn.

I've Been Credit Crunched is a newly posted blog by Geraint Williams from Port Talbot, who is a newcomer to the art of keeping a diary online.

Mr Williams, 34, lost his job at computer recycling firm Pure Wafer in Swansea last week.

He had left his previous job at Bosch six months earlier because he was worried about redundancies there.

Mr Williams, who is married with a three-year-old son, has worked for the past 16 years with just one six-month break after he was made redundant from Sony around the time of his son's birth.

He said he decided to take time out to help while his son was a newborn, but returned to work once money started running out.

Now he want to offer his experience and any advice he could pass on to people who are also affected by the credit crunch.

The government and the banks have pressed us into the harsh reality of the credit crunch Geraint Williams

He said: "I think there's not much information really that we can look at out there that can help people in my situation.

"I thought if I can offer some advice, and just show that if I do manage to find a job in the next week, or the week after - before Christmas would be nice - at least I can help people.

"I didn't want to be in this situation. The government and the banks have pressed us into the harsh reality of the credit crunch.

"It's great if you've got a permanent job, but then again redundancies aren't very good these days and you don't know what's round the corner."

He has found writing the blog quite therapeutic so far.

"It does make me feel better, makes me focus on what my path should be, rather than sitting there feeling sorry for myself."

'Substance'

In the blog, he writes: "I have to look at the facts: I have a mortgage, a 3yr old son, 2 cats and 2 goldfish.

"Oh I nearly forgot about the wife (only joking) - she earns our food, fuel, council tax and disposable money working part time in a restaurant.

"I feel for her more than me as she has been now pushed forward as the sole breadwinner of the household.

"The government has detailed plans to help people like me but I hope it is not all words and there is substance to their offers."

Since starting the blog, Mr Williams has already applied for 12 jobs, and on Monday morning had a piece of good news - an interview on Wednesday.

If things go well, he may only have been "credit crunched" for a short period, but he intends to keep up the blog whatever happens.

He added: "I want to show people if you are diligent in your approach, there is hope of getting work."