Parents lose jobs - but stay positive

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2: For most families it would be the nightmare scenario — two young parents losing their job in the space of two days.

But the double blow is not keeping Jevaughn Simons down.

The motorcycle salesman, who has a one-year-old son, was told he had lost his job at HWP last Thursday.

The next day his baby’s mother was told she had been let go from her job as well.

But instead of cursing their bad luck the duo have been sending out scores of resumés in a bid to get back to work as soon as possible.

Mr Simons, who is hopeful of landing a position as a photographer on a cruise ship, said he had no worries about being able to provide for his son.

“I’m confident of getting a job soon. I’ve put so many resumés out there and I already have a couple of interviews lined up.

“I’ve just got to get up and push forward. It’s important that both of us are working but we are both resourceful people and we are confident of getting new jobs. We know what we have to do and we know how to get there.”

Mr Simons, 27, was one of 21 people made redundant following the blaze at HWP, which destroyed the company’s Pembroke showroom.

Less than 24 hours later the mother of his 18-month-old son, Koli, was told she had lost her job too.

The pair say they are not bitter over the redundancies but their main concern is health insurance for their son.

“It’s pretty unfortunate to lose our jobs at the same time,” said the baby’s mother, who asked not to be named.

“But we are both of the mindset where we can’t keep still. We have to get up and look for other jobs.

“We are refusing to sit down and take it. We are both pretty driven and we know we will have jobs in no time. Yes we are upset but not to the point where we are defeated.”

Mr Simons, who will work with HWP till the end of the month, holds no ill feeling towards his employer, who he says have acted “professionally and considerately”.

He added: “As soon as I was told that my time at HWP was coming to an end I started sending out resumes.

“I have a very positive approach and just want to move on now.

“Celebrity Cruise Lines were the first to get back to me and I am hopeful there may be a position there.

“That would be a great opportunity for me and give me the chance to travel.

“But whatever happens I’ll keep looking and pick something up.

“I’m just looking at this as an opportunity to take on a new challenge.”

A total of 21 employees were made redundant earlier this month from HWP in the wake of the catastrophic fire.

Bosses said they had no choice but to cut staff in the areas affected by the blaze and vowed to help their workers find new work.