7:50am Thursday 18th March 2010
By Barbara Jordan
AN unemployed painter and decorator is so desperate to find a job, he’s taken to the streets.
Chris Harrison, aged 22, sits on a deckchair on the Daresbury Expressway, near Homebase, every morning from 6.30am, pleading for work.
Motorists travelling past have been so impressed, one driver set up a facebook page and it’s already attracted almost 2,000 messages of support.
“It’s made such a difference knowing that people are behind me,” said Chris, who lives with his parents in Claremont Road, Runcorn.
“I thought I’d get laughed at. The hoots I get make it a lot easier.
“It’s great to get such a good response from complete strangers.”
Chris has received messages from as far afield as Indonesia and Ireland, all wishing him good luck.
Margie Langley said: “Good luck, dude. Nice to see not everyone is a lazy bum in this country expecting hand outs.
“You are a great model and I would be proud to be your mum.”
Colette Swindells said: “The World needs more people like you, Chris. Too many people expect life to give them everything on a plate because “they’re entitled”. Hope you get as much positive publicity as you can and also some work.”
John-Paul Ross said: “I think Chris could run in the upcoming General Election. He would get my vote.”
Chris said: “I just need that one lucky break.
“I want a permanent job where I can get my head down and start working again.
“I’ve never been out of work. I can’t stand it. You feel so useless.”
Chris started an apprenticeship when he left Frodsham High School.
He trained at EBL in Runcorn and worked at Decor Plus in Widnes until he was laid off just before Christmas because of the recession.
“The firm we were working for went bust,” said Chris, who has worked all over the country but hasn’t passed his driving test yet.
“I really love my job. I enjoy seeing the difference you can make turning a house into a home.”
Chris has braved the snow, wind, freezing temperatures and rain for three months and is determined not to give up.
He applies for around 10 jobs every day and constantly scrolls the Internet.
He said: “I’ve got plenty of socks and thermals. I’ll do it for as long as it takes.”
Call Chris on 07725 692405 if you can offer him work.
You can leave any messages of support for Chris here.
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