My income is broadly similar but with all the income levies and taxes my nett income is down a bit. what has changed is the bitching from my bosses about any overtime worked- they seem to think you will work the anti-social hours I do for nothing. They are getting it in the neck from their bosses above them.
As for the lead question"what recession?" I had reason to go to some restaurants for festive occasions lately and each time there wasn't an empty table so some people are still able to dine out despite the hard times. Times are hard for anyone who loses a job and has an overpriced house with a huge mortgage and I really feel for them and thank God i'm not in their shoes coz I don't see a solution for their troubles anytime soon.