Hire me! I cost less...

Job certificate drawn up by lawyer can significantly change dynamics.

- VIVIENNE VERMAAK

I have been out of work for almost a year now. I am prepared to work hard to prove myself. If anything, the period of unemployment has made me more appreciative of having a job - any job.

I am prepared to work for a lower salary than the recommended hourly rate and will forego labour laws that might be in my favour. No unions for me, thanks. I won't turn to the CCMA should I feel I have been unfairly dismissed. Nor will I consider the Labour Court an option for conversations you and I cannot settle.

I will not invoke the Labour Relations Act or the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. I will bring my own tea if you want and won't assume there are lunch hours. I am willing to draw up a contract stipulating all of this - in fact, I insist on it.

Here is my certificate testifying to the above. It is called a JSEC (job seekers exemption certificate) drawn up by a lawyer. The deal you and I have is between us, not between us and the government.

Will you look twice at my application if I pitch it like this? I am hoping so, for my own sake and for that of the country.

Most people understand that unemployment is a big driver of crime, poverty and despair in South Africa. Someone has to do something, right?

The "someone" is normally the government and the "something" is more labour regulations which have an unintended effect down the line less employment.