The ‘social’ trial of “Southern Housing” (as it’s called) is conducted in the open, and in full view. This is what I decided as I prepared to meet with a recruiter in Bristol. I didn’t use it to fact-find or gain further information about it, but to gauge what I felt over an issue that seemingly encompassed millions of people.
I had applied for a “Housing Executive” position online, and had received a few emails about my application. They were hastily written and felt like personal messages rather than official communications. It was awkward but I stuck with it because it appeared I could safely attend a brief interview.
This happened in the city centre. I was apprehensive as we sat in a coffee shop to discuss the role. As luck would have it, the recruiter thought I was an undercover criminal too. He proceeded to explain the entire process. He described how they stole houses and kept them, and who was affected.
It was a shocking feeling. I had not felt real disgust before, as it happened, but in that moment it writhed through my body. I resisted throwing up over the table. I continued the conversation and he described his role in the operation. He said I would focus first on locksmith duties, and accounts after.
The meeting ended. We went our separate ways. I reviewed myself to make sure I hadn’t given the game away. I was sure I hadn’t. It was a close encounter and involved a lot of listening, but my preparation had been tight. I was able to find out first hand what it was like to be a serious criminal today.
