Phil has been a Chartered Architect since 1989. His career has been very successful and he previously worked for some big practices in Yorkshire such as Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson, Harris Partnership, NPS Group and many others.
Having started a new job in the City of Leeds under an agency in April 2020 with a view of getting a permanent position, Phil was very optimistic about the future as he wanted to secure a mortgage for himself and his son, Bradley, age 10. However, things started to take a turn for Phil because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“During the first month in my new job, news of Covid-19 started to spread like wildfire. Yet I continued to travel to work knowing that the situation was getting worse.”
After just one month of working in Leeds and two weeks homeworking in his new role, Phil got laid off and was not sure he was entitled to the furlough scheme. He was facing financial hardship and needed support urgently. Luckily, an Architect friend he knew mentioned Architects Benevolent Society.
“I ended up living with family friends for security and support. The ABS have been very sympathetic and offered me assistance of which I am very grateful. This was able to tide me over at a time of great uncertainty, reducing my financial worries.”
8 weeks into lockdown and things started feel better for Phil as he was able to take his son, Bradley, for daily walks in the woods and help with school projects such as making model crocodiles using the natural clay found in their local wood.
From the bottom of my heart – I would like thank ABS for their assistance in this difficult period.