Are some companies using the Recession as a reason to let their employees go? Despite fewer jobs out there, are there employers using this as a reason to fire?

Recession. It's such a scary word and one we hate to realize is a reality for us. It's hard enough to think at any moment we could lose our jobs due to downsizing, or the company going bankrupt. Our fates depend so much on our careers and income; we wonder what will become of us if that income suddenly disappears.

Unfortunately, the threat of downsizing and company bankruptcy isn't our only concern. It's possible another threat looms over us. The threat that some companies are using this recession to let go employees they either don't have the heart to fire, or perhaps the courage. Or that a company can be a lot more picky when choosing it's employees.

Of course, it's conjecture, but there is one case I'm aware of where I believe this is the case. The evidence seems overwhelming as not to be believed.

There is a small company who employs only a handful of people, four at best including the owner. This employee has worked there for three years now and has given them the best work possible. Never any complaints, the working atmosphere was jovial and friendly. All workers there are hard working and devoted, even spending days off visiting and chatting.

A year ago, the store had to go to weekends only due to a family emergency and only two staff members remained for the days it was open. This went on for eight weeks, while this employee decided to remain loyal to the company and was promised their full schedule upon the re-opening of the store.

When the store did re-open they found they had lost some of their hours, but had accepted this due to the explanation the store needed to rebuild it's finances. Makes sense right?

However, a few weeks later this employee found out the owner had hired a person to take over those hours. So much for needing to rebuild your finances.

Recently, the employee lost all hours due to 'recession and not enough work.' Of course it seems that no one else has lost their hours completely, oh maybe cut back some, but not completely.

If it was a case of not being satisfied with their work, why not just say so? Why employ deceitful tactics? This is just one example of what could be happening. Are employers using this very real recession as an excuse to 'trim the lead weight'?

Jobs are incredibly hard to find for the average person. True, the medical field and some tech fields have jobs, if you are bilingual and have the diplomas to go with it. But what of the 'unskilled' worker?

I have found that many companies are not even hiring those who actually have some experience in those fields they are applying for. Take retail for example. Someone with 20 plus years experience in the retail field, customer service experience and all, can't get a job at a drugstore? Even when they specifically request you have some type of experience in that field.

Or how about another industry where you have training, plus customer service experience, but they won't take you because you don't have the necessary 'travel' experience. One place wants you to travel 'overseas', but doesn't take into account any schooling or travel experience you have had including the United States.

It's no wonder there is such a high Unemployment rate right now. Companies need to stop looking for exact experience or training, and go for those who have at least a portion of what they want. I would think a company would rather have someone who has 20 years experience in a field than one with none right? Or maybe not.

Learn more about this author, Marcy Burlock.
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