I HAVE been very lucky because I have worked non-stop since I was 16 and have never been unemployed.

Unfortunately, my luck changed at the end of last year when I was made redundant from my job with Smith & Nephew, the healthcare company, along with the rest of my department.

Fair enough, I shall be 50 this year, and I am not a graduate, but come on!

I am intelligent, bright and lively, loyal and hardworking and can provide excellent references from all my employers.

I have sound information technology and communication skills, I'm very presentable and can learn very quickly.

So why can't I find a job that pays more than the minimum wage?

I strongly suspect it is because I don't have a degree rather than the experience that comes with age.

Employers would rather take on a new graduate with no experience than someone my age with no degree but loads of experience for the same salary.

Smith & Nephew took a chance on me ten years ago and they have never regretted it. Will no one give me a chance? Go on, gizza job - I can do that!

Jackie Bower,

Back Lane,

North Duffield, Selby.

Updated: 10:22 Friday, March 28, 2003