I recently bumped into someone who had worked for a well-known high-street jeweller for 37 years.

I had met him previously while purchasing some jewellery from the store in Brighton and then was surprised to meet him again in another independent jewellery store in Hove.

I remembered him distinctly, as he was so helpful, customer-focused and professional. I was appalled to learn he had worked for the same company for all these years and was suddenly told he was being made redundant with not so much as a thank-you or even a good-bye.

Is this what our society is coming to? As soon as you hit a certain age or don't fit in with the latest buzz-words or office culture you are disposed of without a second thought? What has happened to loyalty, experience and caring for one's greatest asset - people?

-L B Williams, Graham Avenue, Portslade