Regarding the job situation, I can only relate what I know. I have never got a job through an advert but through the good old word of mouth. I had to medically retire back in May YET I have had no end of phone calls offering me work … even ‘Can you do a quick run down to Italy for me to help out then?’. A good few people have assumed I have just retired and am available for the right price. Even my old boss has said ‘Get your licences back and there is a seat for you here’.
So if you keep your ears open and ask a few questions in the right places, there is obviously plenty of work out there. Don’t give up hope, you newbies as I have already pointed two in the right direction in the last month and they are now happily employed. Don’t be picky, don’t expect to drive an all singing all dancing 730 Scania straight off and you’ll find work.