Unemployment figures. Dont make me laugh

I recently read that there were 2.4 people unemployed in Britain today, what a joke that figure is, i reckon there are at least another million added to that figure and the sad fact is many are the ones that don't receive anything, just another nameless number that is not added to any government figure.

After working in a factory for nineteen years, when redundancy was offered i took it that was over three years ago, i took time out to look after the oldest and maintained a living by playing poker and gambling. As time goes by it becomes harder and harder to maintain a living by doing
this, other factors come into the equation (another child being one) so about six months ago i went to the DSS about trying to sign on and get some benefits, while trying to get back into work.

After ringing up and being on the phone for over an hour giving all my details, an appointment was made for 1.40, so off i went and waited till it was my turn, bare in mind i had never tried to claim any benefits for over two and a half years. I sat down and gave them my name and when i had last worked to which they replied and and said that because i had not claimed in that time i could not now claim at all. I asked was there not anything they could do and i was told No nothing at all. I was back in my car at 1.49, feeling like a fecking idiot for not being stubborn and not claiming for what i was entitled too.

Now six months later time as come to try and get a job, in the past few months i have applied for numerous jobs without even getting a sniff of an interview. Jobs like meter reading and applying to the post office and being asked the question can i ride a bike?? have all passed with no luck and come last Monday i applied for warehouse work just over the Christmas period, ringing up and giving my name i was asked what i had done previous, to which i replied factory work for over 18 years, the young man said sorry we are only looking for people with warehouse experience, what a fecking laugh that was after telling the guy i am sure i could handle that he said sorry and that was it.

Many people i would guess are in my situation and many more are worse off, some would say i was stupid for not signing earlier, in hindsight i would agree.