Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Steve is better known to the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Suffolk-listening public as 'Jess The Trucker' - he's a regular caller to shows.

In November 2008, he lost his job driving lorries for Tannington Transport near Woodbridge: "It was a real blow. We had about three weeks' notice that things weren't going well and there would be some redundancies.

"It was mainly due to the downturn in the construction industry. About 40% of the fleet's work was carting sand, stone and gravel about and the construction industry's pretty much dead in the water at the moment.

"I had no disagreement with the fact that I was one of the ones who lost their job. It was done on a basis of length of service and I had only been with the firm for a year.

"But that did nothing to ease the disappointment I felt - maybe best described as a crushing blow."

The benefits of fatherhood

2008 had started off well for Steve. His wife Christine gave birth to their son Nathan. Christine has two teenagers called Kirsty and Daniel from a previous marriage and they all live together.

Steve left Stowmarket High School at the age of 16, worked on a farm until he was 18, spent six years at Witnesham Sawmills timber yard and ever since then he's been behind the wheels of HGVs working for transport firms.

"I found myself heading for the local Jobcentre. I went in with the mindset that I'd worked hard and always paid my contributions to the state, maybe it was time to get a little bit out.

"After doing the interview, I found I was entitled, with a wife, three children and Β£80 rent a week [local authority housing], to the grand sum of Β£60.50 a week.

"Apparently, because I'd followed the government ethic of working hard and saving I wasn't entitled to any benefits. Thanks a lot!"

Silver lining?

However, Steve retains an optimism about his work prospects. He has some contacts in the transport industry and he's hoping a few weeks work here and there in Felixstowe will turn into something more permanent.

"Hopefully, the employment prospects are looking up, but I do describe Leiston as being a bit of a long way from anywhere. There's no transport-based employment in the town - not long-distance jobs anyway.

"I did go to agricultural college, but it's over 20 years since I last drove a tractor in anger. It might make a nice change.

"Whatever happens I can rely on my family to see me through. I will take anything that puts bread on the table."