They used to make people build stone walls in this country before they could get their food rations, now you have to 'produce evidence you're looking for employment'. Little pieces of paper instead of shovels.
The government buildings were the usual concrete, plastic slabs. As faceless and grating as the radio station playing in the waiting room. She thought she'd never be called in for her interview.
"Next!"
"So I see you've been signing on for the past five months." The woman behind the desk pursed her lips as she read Niamh's file.
"So what efforts have you been making to find work?"
"Emm, well...I've been thinking of going on the back-to-work scheme."
"Oh yes, and what is your business idea for that?"
"A Community Forest. A real forest for everyone in the community to visit. I was thinking I could go round local schools and ask the kids to plant seeds and grow them and then we could plant-"
"Well that sounds lovely, but you have to think ahead, to be far-sighted. How would you make money from that project?"
Niamh furrowed her brow.
"If we planted walnut trees we could have walnuts to eat in thirty years. You can't really get much more far-sighted than that."
"But how would you make an income from this business? How would you support yourself?"
"There is an abundance of food in a forest. Berries, nuts, mushrooms, leaves, roots -- not to mention the deer, birds, and fish -- I would have plenty to eat." Niamh's eyes were shining.
"And I could make a dwelling from the wood, a proper bender with a fire in the middle."
The woman looked her up and down, catologing the odd dress and unbrushed hair.
"I'm afraid that is not a valid business plan."
Niamh said nothing.
The woman typed something into her computer.
"You've got to show evidence you're looking for a job. Next time you come see me you'd better have some evidence. Otherwise we will be forced to cancel your claim." She shrugged and looked at the door.
"Next!"