The Life, The Times, and The Adventures of Kevin Forbes is the story of how Mr Forbes took on injustice from his hometown all the way to Parliament and Brussels.
Mr Forbes, from Bentley Drive in Church Langley, Harlow, fought for fairer treatment of older people, focusing on the fight against age discrimination.
Kevin Forbes reflects on 4,782 job rejections and two interviews in 20 years (Image: Kevin Forbes)
Mr Forbes spent nearly two decades out of work after losing his job as a senior IT manager at a multinational bank in 2005, despite his experience and professional background.
Now 71, he has been described as “Harlow’s voice for the forgotten”.
Mr Forbes said: “This crisis we all face in the country at the moment is not something that’s going to disappear over a year or two and I think we all appreciate that.”
The book also tells the story of his relationship with his wife, Carol, describing their 38-year journey together as a story of trust, courage, and second chances.
But Mr Forbes’ personal experience of ageism is also a sobering reminder of the barriers faced by older people seeking work.
He described the reality of applying for 4,782 jobs over several years and receiving only two interviews.
Mr Forbes told BBC Essex : “It’s soul destroying, because you can’t see an end.”
He added: “For people in our age group, irrespective of our skills, quality, experience, and academic backgrounds that most of us have in the professional sectors, none of this appears to be available or open to us.
“This is grossly, grossly unfair.”
The memoir aims not only to inform but to inspire, offering readers a view into a life shaped by resilience and a commitment to justice.
It is recommended for anyone who believes in second chances, social justice, and the everyday heroes who shape their communities.
The Life, The Times, and The Adventures of Kevin Forbes is available now at Waterstones and other retailers.
