Why are we here?

So how on earth do I come to be in this situation?
Doctorate from respected university - check.
Experience in polymer chemistry, with a years international industrial placement - check
Four years experience working with electron microscopes, two of those performing cryo-TEM unaided - check.

Yes in fact two weeks after my graduation my contract at the University of Warwick finished. I left with hope in my heart of beginning life as a supply teacher, having not found another post doc or job in industry. I wasn't panicked and there were murmurings of a possible job back in the University and so I figured I would bide my time. I was reliably informed and assured by a former friend that he could find me work as a supply teacher.
"It won't be a problem with a PhD in Chemistry and the fact that you speak German and French - those are the two most demanded subject areas" said this guy. So I stupidly trusted him and with the prospect of a job at Warwick sometime in the future figured supply was flexible and well paid. Needless to say this never came to be and I was given a list of excuses and finally just stopped calling his mobile to chase him. So I faced the prospect of no money coming in, bills to pay and don't forget the kids and wife to feed!
Thankfully the government has help for people like this, its called job seekers allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit. After going through the process, which took 90 minutes on the phone and an interview a few days later we finally received some help (money) after a week or so to get us through and I have to say it does make me grateful to live in this country. My wife is from the US and as far as I know this is not the case - if your unemployed you are on your own so thank you Britain!