Emotional reality for workers left struggling in COVID-19 shutdown
When the COVID-19 shutdowns forced hundreds of thousands out of work, Troy Bayley was among them.
The barista arrived at a Canberra Centrelink, trying to get access to a welfare payment.
Emotional and tired, he said "it's hard, very hard".
Troy was struggling to pay rent and at risk of homelessness.
Troy Bayley was one of hundreds of thousands of Australians forced out of work by the COVID-19 shutdown. 9News
After applying, he got access to JobSeeker.
The unemployment benefit was effectively doubled by the government to $1100 a fortnight.
For Troy, it's become what he said is "a lifeline".
9News has been following his story.
After months of unemployment and applying for dozens of jobs, securing just eight job interviews, Troy has landed a part-time job.
Troy Bayley was one of hundreds of thousands of Australians forced out of work by the COVID-19 shutdown. 9News
Eleven hours a week. And he's not alone.
The unemployment rate has risen to 7.4 per cent but the number of people in part-time work has jumped.
Troy spoke to 9News about the past few months and his hopes for the future.
And with the JobSeeker rate due to be halved at the end of September, he urged the government not to cut it.
Watch Troy's story in the video above.
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