"so, why havent you worked for so long"? frown....

[nightowl]

"erm well, because when i was made redundant i was in serious financial sht and its taken 6 months to be able to get help from job centre aswell as getting myself into a position where i can risk working again. this is because the inland rev effed me up in a large way when i did* work and i nearly got evicted".

ok, thats the truth but something tells me it would go down like a lead balloon ...now give me nice things to say please! what is the best answer for that one when in interview mode? need good excuses.

Travelling round afica with my kids in tow

You decided to take some time out (a gap half year?) and have some quality time with your family/undertake some house renovations/gardening project?

Cared for an elderly relative? Did some voluntary work working for because wanted to give something back to society? devoted yourself to your art/writing/music because after careful consideration it was the best time for a career break and you wanted to finish your book/sculpture/album?

If I were you, I wouldn't concoct a story as you may seem false/tense as you say it. I'd tell the truth by saying that after being made redundant, you took a break to sort some things in your private life that needed attending to, and now that everything is taken care of, you're ready to work again....or something like that! Good luck.