A prayer for those affected by job losses at Axminster Carpets

A prayer has been written to be said in Devon's Anglican churches in the wake of the hundreds of job losses caused by the collapse of Axminster Carpets. The historic company went into administration this week, announcing 300 job losses. Bishop Michael is asking all clergy to pray for those who have lost their jobs this week in Axminster and Buckfast, and also for all those affected by unemployment at this time.

Churches in Axminster and the surrounding area will also be appealing for food for affected families in services this weekend.

Bishop Michael said he was greatly saddened by the news of the job losses at Axminster Carpets. “I vividly remember attending the 250th anniversary celebrations in Axminster in 2005, when a special carpet was sent up to Her Majesty the Queen. There was a sense of great joy that day in the town, and being able to celebrate the generations of fine craftsmanship and design and the hard work of so many people was wonderful. It is a great tragedy that this looks set to be lost now, as the company has gone into administration, and the hundreds of people affected by this are very much in my prayers.

“We are asking all churches in the county to pray for the those affected by this – we know that in many cases, several generations of the same family have been affected – and the church is urgently looking to find ways to support them.”

Loving Father, you enfold us in your mercy and love.
Hear our prayer for your sons and daughters in Devon who are living with hardship.
We pray for all at this time who are facing an uncertain future;
those who are without employment
and especially those who have lost their jobs at Axminster Carpets.
Give courage and comfort to all who are distressed,
And hope to those who find themselves dependent on benefits and charity.
We pray for a future in which all may participate with energy
and share in joy.
Strengthen us to have generous hearts, to carry each other’s burdens
and to live in fellowship that finds its foundation in your life,
which outpours into your world with costly self-giving love.
We ask this in the name of our crucified and risen Lord, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Christopher Futcher
Archdeacon of Exeter