Paul's wish to find work comes true as company boss gives him a job
He stood in the centre of Wolverhampton with a sign that said 'All I want for Xmas is a job'. And now his dream has come true as he landed himself work at a Black Country firm.
Paul Hyde, aged 52, from Finchfield had not worked since being made redundant from Eurofast in Wednesfield in March.
In his desperation to get back into work he took to the city's ring road in October armed with a sign advertising his availability.
His plight inspired Kevin McCarronfrom Heath Town to take up a similar position after he stood outside Wolverhampton train station with a sign that read 'Giz A Job'.
But this week Mr Hyde was handed a role in Brierley Hill making parts for oil rigs and will begin later this month.
Mr Hyde said: "I got a call this week and was invited down to talk through the possibility of working.
"The gaffer shook my hand and said 'you start on February 24'.
"He said he saw the articles in the newspaper and saw me as a person with a lot of determination to go out and advertise myself. I'm over the moon by it.
"All I wanted to do was go out and work and for someone to offer me a chance and they have and I'm grateful." Mr Hyde admitted his new job threw a spanner in the works for his latest sign.
See also: Kevin takes job quest to street
Benefits blow for Wolverhampton jobseeker
He explained: "I was all set to out again this week and I had spent £20 on new lettering and a sign. I won't need it now, which is relief." Mr Hyde had been due to pair up with father-of-seven Mr McCarron in the city centre but after gaining employment he met the 53-year-old to give him moral support.
Mr McCarron, a former painter and decorator, said: "When Paul told me he'd got a job I had to shake his hand, I was pleased for him. "It has given me hope that going out there you can go get a job. I should be in work and I should be able to provide for my family.
"This has made me feel more positive about what I'm doing."
