I HAVE two points I would like to make, one is that ageism is very much alive and thriving in Swindon despite recent and current legislation.

My second point is, what do the many employment agencies do for the more mature office person?

I was made redundant from the solicitors Thring Townsend on April 7 and at that time I registered with around 10 local agencies.

I am a secretary and have been for a number of years, not all of them in a solicitor's office, so my office experience is quite broad.

I made it clear that I was looking for permanent work or not less than six months temporary.

Also as I do not drive I needed to work somewhere where I could get to on public transport or on foot.

Since April I have been offered work at Wantage for a week, several two-week assignments and one even offered me a half a day placement.

I have now been placed on a temp/perm assignment by Manpower.

Do the staff at employment agencies listen to what you are telling them and could the fact that I am 59 years old have something to do with the fact that I had problems in finding a permanent job?

Also, if you do not telephone the agencies at least once a week to remind them you are still looking for work, you get overlooked this at a time when it is prime time cost for telephone calls and you are unemployed.

I am aware there are firms such as B & Q who have been employing the older person, but what about those who want to continue in their current job further than the current retirement age? Although I admit to being tempted to go for less stress and pressure, I can earn more if I continue working as a secretary, and as with most people, I am not out to work because I enjoy it, more for the financial gain.

Sue Barrow

Swindon