Best of luck. I was made redundant May 2008, just about the first victim of the credit crunch; still looking. So far, the cash I made has lasted, topped up with casual bar work.

The computer world keeps moving on. I tell agencies and employers that if I did not move with it, I would still be writing FORTRAN. However, they would rather believe 21 year old graduates who insist that they have 5 years' commercial experience of C#, the latest buzzword language.

I have found agencies in the UK vary in quality from fair to execrable. None of them can compare for idiocy with the Job Centre (UK Employment Service) who seriously suggested I apply for a job as "Administrative Assistant" (required skills/attributes: recent school-leaver with 5 GCSEs and ability to look good in womens' clothing) with the firm who made me redundant. Had the firm itself made a similar offer, they would have been before a tribunal for Constructive Dismissal before they could draw breath.

I have had six interviews since being made redundant, but two pending. I come cheap, which must count to my favour.