Out-of-work stroke survivor gets job by standing on side of road with sign

By Izzy Hawksworth via SWNS

An out-of-work stroke survivor who spent years trying to get a job bagged one within a week of pitching himself by a roadside to plead for work in a smart suit, collar and tie.

Intrepid Craig Driver, 49, positioned himself on the A165 near Hull, East Yorks, with a banner asking for work.

He took up the drastic action after he struggled to find employment after leaving his construction job in 2019 due to a stroke.

He started his campaign to find new employment on Tuesday, June 28, and stood there for the rest of the week until July 1.

The dad-of-one was offered a job on July 4 as a buildings manager at The Hull and East Yorkshire Smile Foundation after an employee drove past him on her way to work.

The employee then called her boss to say that she thought Craig was a perfect fit for the organization, which manages different charity projects and was hiring at the time.

Craig said: “I am ecstatic to have been offered a job by Smile.

“It is an inspirational organization and it is amazing to be a part of something that makes a difference in so many lives.

“Like anyone starting a new job, I am nervous because I want to do the best possible job, but I know I have found an amazing team to work with.

“I’ve been despondent and dejected and I needed that to change.

“I have a wife and a little boy I want to look after them. I now have that chance.”

Charity CEO Andy Barber looked at his CV with Ann Newlove, head of business and communications, and they decided he would be a perfect fit for the company.

Ann said: “Craig’s unusual approach to job seeking made him stand out, but it wasn’t his suit, tie and roadside vigil, that made us snap him up.

"Craig has exactly the skills we’re looking for and haven’t been able to find. 

"He comes to us with experience of construction and facilities project management as well as the softer skills we need from a previous role as a housing officer.

“The charitable sector has a recruitment crisis and finding people with a can-do attitude that will help us to build stronger, healthier, and happier communities is important to our success.

"Craig is just what we need. We wish him and his family well.”

Craig, from Brandesburton, East Yorks, has received an overwhelming amount of support since his social media posts went viral last month.

He received support from people encouraging him on social media to one man who stopped in the pouring rain to hand him an umbrella.

He said: “The respect I have for the communities of this region is incredible.

“People showed me so much kindness. I don’t know how to say thank you.

“I am glad I have a job that will help me to give back. I’m so very grateful for all the help I have received.”