It's like a bereavement
I've been talking to iPM listeners about the stigma of unemployment.
Stephen, told me unemployment was like bereavement: conversation became awkward and friends worried about causing offence.
"Mary" found it so difficult to talk about unemployment she asked to use a pseudonym.
Mark told us being on public view in the job centre was like a "pillory".
These are some of the stories I've heard this week, as I talk to iPM listeners about the stigma of unemployment. If you are unemployed I'd be very keen to hear your thoughts about this. Leave a comment below or email ipm-at-bbc.co.uk