Economics

Mothballed Livelihoods

In the middle of the worst economic downturn for generations, After Sunday must make sense to those living their lives under threat of job loss, home repossession, debt and family stress.

One of the most long standing employers in the North East recently announced it was to 'mothball' the Corus steelworks. Over 2000 jobs are now at risk and the livelihoods of families across Teesside. Formerly British Steel, generations of families have worked there and built lives and identiites around their job roles. What can faith offer to people who lose their job, and with it their sense of purpose and identity?  A dilemma is faced by management and government - who must bear the burden of making decisions which will affect thousands of people. Would it be wise for government to subsidise ailing businesses in the hope that the downturn will soon be over? Could refelecting through these issues, putting faith at the centre, help bring about a more positive solution?