Decorator Keith Boniface, 57, lives outside Manchester and is looking for work. He tells Maryam Qaiser how relatives have been cooking for him while he's unemployed.
I am a cleaner, painter and a decorator and I've done a lot of work in hotels and Chatsworth House, but it all came to an end when I went through a tough time with stress earlier this year.
It was frightening.
My wife and I were getting a new kitchen fitted and the person who was carrying out the work disappeared with our money.
It caused a lot of stress and I became ill and couldn't work.
My wife works so for now we are trying to survive on her income for food, bills and fuel for the car. She brings home £143 a week as a retail manager, which goes towards the essentials.
Most nights I eat dinner at my mum's place because it takes the financial burden off our household and I can keep my mum company.
Now I am job searching in Manchester and Stockport.
I have been supported by New Mills Job club and Zink Employability, who have been there for me.
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We are retracing the journey George Orwell made in his book, The Road to Wigan Pier , to share your stories of working and unemployed poverty.
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