A married couple in Anglesey have suggested that redundancy might have
proved to be a blessing in disguise.
Derek and Sandra Thomas from Holyhead both lost their jobs in separate mass
redundancies on the island.
Derek, 49, used to work as a team leader at Anglesey Aluminium's smelter,
while Sandra, 45, had a position working as an assembly operator for Eaton
Electronics.
Collectively, the pair had worked for their former employers for more than
40 years, reports the Daily Post.
However, the couple have taken advantage of their newfound freedom to
pursue a long-held dream and open up a pub on Anglesey.
Derek said: "Losing my job was a culture shock … But we haven't just sat
back and said that's the end of the world, we have got back on our feet."
"Running a pub is something I've always wanted to do and this opportunity
has given me the chance to go for it. Maybe without redundancy I would
never have had the chance," he added.
Sandra echoed his comments, saying that she views the redundancies as "a
good thing now" because they have inspired them to do what they have always
wanted.
After undergoing training to ensure they had the correct skills to run the
business, they took over The Albert Vaults.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants recently revealed that
nearly two-thirds of people in the UK harbour ambitions of going into
business for themselves.
Entrepreneurial drive was strongest among people between 25 and 34 years of
age, with about three-quarters expressing a desire to set up their own
business.
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