‘FROM AN INCOME TO ALMOST NOTHING’
▶ LEEDS-BASED Bradley Jacobs is a professional carer, whose work came to an abrupt halt when he became ill in early April with Covid symptoms, which led to pneumonia and an acute kidney infection. He has had to shield.
Other than for a brief period in August, the 61-year-old has not been able to work for eight months.
The financial consequences have been “the worst I’ve ever known” and his mental health suffered.
“It’s impossible to survive on universal credit,” Mr Jacobs said. “Mentally it was even harder – going from a certain income to almost nothing, being ill, being apart from my kids and missing a job I was passionate about.
“It’s been terrible, to be honest. I’m not talking about wanting a fancy lifestyle, I’m talking about just being able to live.”
He has a grown-up daughter in London and 13-year-old twins in Chester. Although his expartner has been very understanding, being unable to support his family financially has been upsetting.
“When you feel you can’t look after your kids, it’s dire.
“I have had mental health problems because of it and can get anxious quickly.
I’ve never been like this before.
“I’m worried about the future. I love working in the care industry but am apprehensive about going back into that field, as that’s where I caught Covid. I can’t wait for the vaccine so I can feel more comfortable to return.”
Mr Jacobs has received grants from Leeds Jewish Welfare Board and the Emergency Community Fund set up by Work Avenue and the Jewish Leadership Council in the first lockdown. He is also speaking to Work Avenue about further help towards returning to work. “The financial support has been a godsend and I’m hoping to pick myself up in 2021.”