A former colleague of mine,who is in his late 40s, has been out of a job since late March.

He left our organisation after only seven weeks, due to an estranged relationship with his immediate superior.

His interviews with prospective employers have been few and far between, considering his "advanced age".

Some interviewers were callous, constantly probing into his chequered employment history and harping on his unusually short stint at our organisation. Their remarks greatly upset my friend.

Society at large seems very unforgiving and lacks empathy and compassion.

Instead of giving jobseekers a helping hand, some gloat at their misfortune and failures.

This adds to the despair and disillusionment these professionals, managers, engineers and technicians in their 40s and 50s feel, as they struggle to raise their families without employment and stable incomes.

I have encountered a fair number who have contemplated suicide.

Employers should endeavour to give a second chance to jobseekers who have suffered countless setbacks in their careers, if circumstances permit.

Adding insult to injury or rubbing salt into their wounds simply does not alter the situation, and benefits no one.

Joe Teo Kok Seah