大象传媒

A SMUGGLER'S STORY PART II

Joe and Martin's smuggling scams hit a nerve with viewers

In the first week of this series "Joe" and "Martin" were topping up their dole cheques by smuggling cigarettes from Europe and selling them on the UK black market. Now the pair are taking up Inside Out's challenge of going straight.

When reporter Paul Ross confronted the men about their cigarette scams he was told they only did it out of necessity.

"They cannot find a job for me," commented Martin.

"There aren't any jobs in Dover."

Martin may now be regretting the words he muttered next.

"So if we got you a job you'd do it then Martin?" asked Paul Ross.

"Yes. Yes, I would," Martin proclaimed.

Martin's comment about the lack of jobs in Dover caused a flurry of emails and letters to flood into the Inside Out offices.

So, we thought we should really find out the truth - are there any jobs in Dover for people like Martin and Joe?

Changing times

Four months have passed since we last saw Martin, the smuggler, and things have changed.

First, he was stopped at customs - all his tobacco was confiscated and he lost his money.

Then, to make matters even worse, Martin's girlfriend "Grace" gave him an ultimatum, "give up smuggling and get a job, or else".

So, it's goodbye to the black market and hello to gainful employment - or is it?

If Martin and Joe find themselves jobs it will save the taxpayers thousands of pounds in benefit payments.

But this is one job hunt that may not be that easy.

Martin hasn't worked full time for over 10 years, he has no qualifications and is poorly prepared for tackling the modern working world.

So Paul Ross enlists the help of an employment expert to help Martin and Joe get themselves back in the workforce.

Getting under way

Paul Ross arranges to meet Martin and Joe at the aptly named Smuggler's Bay.

Last time they met here Martin and Joe were explaining their undercover tobacco scams, this time it's very different and the pair are somewhat sombre.

The days of sitting by the TV could be over for Martin

Joe is a victim of his own actions - he has 10 children from his first marriage and a baby with his current girlfriend.

He says he wants to work, but if he does, 80% of his wages go to his ex and the kids.

Martin says he is also keen to work, but only if he can get more than he does on benefit.

This could be a tough challenge.

Martin's partner Grace is excited at the prospect that he is going straight and believes he has what it takes to turn his life around.

"I think it would be better all around if he got a proper job," she says.

Calling in the cavalry

Suzanne Robinson, from CMS Employment, gets involved in Martin and Joe's job hunting, so the pressure's on.

Suzanne doesn't put up with time wasters.

If someone is serious about job hunting she will help them, but look out if you are going about it half hearted.

Suzanne begins by taking down notes on Martin's history, and is keen to get to the bottom of his feelings behind working.

"Wouldn't you rather be out working?" asks Suzanne.

"Yes, of course. But take on board that I won't work for less than I get on benefit," replies Martin.

"But it's not just about money," says Suzanne.

"Yes it is," Martin retorts.

聯Martin's problem is definitely 'Martin'聰

Suzanne Robinson

Suzanne is finding Martin a rather difficult client and shares some of her concerns with Paul.

"To be quite honest he really does need to change his attitude towards working.

"I really got the distinct impression he would prefer not to work.

"I think he had a very belligerent attitude and that would come across to any employer," Suzanne says.

Suzanne goes through all Martin and Joe's records and advises them on some steps they should make to get started.

They are told to get their CVs up to date and pay a visit to their local Jobcentre.

They're also told to do something about their rather "laid back" look.

First impressions

Smugglers may not have to wear a shirt and tie, but interviewees certainly do, so the next step is to head out to the charity shop with Martin and Joe.

"When was the last time you wore a tie?" enquires Paul.

"The last time I saw the judge," Martin replies.

A few squabbles later, the pair walk out looking more like bank managers than smugglers.

Paul is starting to feel optimistic about Joe's chances, but he still isn't convinced Martin has his heart in this challenge.

So he pays a visit to one of Martin's previous employers to get a reference.

Before he got involved in the smuggling game Martin worked at a homeless charity in Dover for just over a year.

Rosie says Martin's problems are all in the past

Rosie Barnfather was involved with Martin's employment at the charity and is positive about his work ethic.

"Whilst he was here we had no problems, he worked hard.

"He needs a chance," she says.

Progress check

It's now two weeks since Martin and Joe met with Suzanne, so it's time to report back.

Suzanne is pleasantly surprised to find that both Martin and Joe have returned with their updated CVs in hand.

The pair's new found "professional look" has impressed Suzanne and she feels Martin's attitude is also much more positive.

So what's sparked this change?

"The grim reality of putting food on the table," says Martin.

"I've got to earn a living and that's it."

Martin's focussed attitude has got the ball rolling, and he and Paul are dispatched to a warehouse where they can find out more about job opportunities for forklift drivers.

Workers at the warehouse said Martin coped well driving the forklift

It's been a few years since Martin drove a forklift so he is given some on the job training to refresh his skills.

He is told that if he gets his forklift driver's certificate there would be no reason he couldn't get a job.

It's a positive step for Martin, who is keen to get back in the drivers seat for good.

And true to his word, he has enrolled in a course and hopes to find a job by Christmas.

Joe's story is also ending positively.

After extensive meetings with Suzanne he is now looking into the possibilities of self-employment, and is eager to start working full-time.

It seems both our smugglers have made positive changes, so if you are having difficulties finding work, or need some advice, read our job hunting tips.