Across the UK 2.7 million children have no Father figure at home, that equates to 1 in 5 of all dependent children (1) An epidemic of absenteeism and lack of “presence” among fathers has become the norm, and it is almost expected of anyone who has a job. In stark contrast approx. 8.9 million children have mobile phones (2); sadly, it would appear more children have smart phones than Dads living under the same roof.
When “Mollie” aged 15 won a very special award the first person that she told was my friend who was giving her a lift to school. She said that she “couldn’t tell Dad, he’s always on the phone” – how sad!
My name is Malcolm Johnston and I currently live in a suburb of Manchester having lived in several other parts of the UK over the years.
My main job is that of being a husband to Kay for 51 years, a Father, Grandfather (“Papa”), uncle, great uncle, and even a great great uncle.
To keep a roof over our heads I have had several other jobs; I started off at the BBC in a job that became very well paid. When Kay became pregnant I started to look for another job as the current one was incompatible with family life. I found one as a representative, but in taking it I took a pay cut of two thirds.
Other jobs followed including 18 in the pharmaceutical industry; during this time, I was ordained as an Anglican Priest (Cof E) to be a minister in the workplace. As well as having had two highly paid jobs, I’ve also had 2 spells of benefits with all the loss of dignity and hardship that results from being in that place.
In recent time I have been working mainly with Church leaders principally on their work/life balance.