I lived in Stranraer for several years and lived in "Social housing" on a road called John Simpson Drive. The very mention of that road sent people into a panic-we were all druggies, dolies and even murderers. As far as getting a job was concerned with my address-Forget it. And this happens throughout the country, people are NOT always taken on merit, sometimes a simple postcode can screw things up. I was unemployed for over four years and was only interviewed by companies with no knowledge of the area. Many people are written off at BIRTH because of where they live.
Before anyone asks, I am well educated, originally from Wythenshawe and have many years experience in retail management and business administration. My last position was working for New Deal- the government program to help the long term unemployed back into work. I speak from experience not hysteria or generalisation.