Quiet, guarded Franny works in the canteen. When his sister kills herself, Franny is determined to understand why and sets about piecing her life together.
Posh student Tasha struggles to fit in on her work placement. But she falls into bed with factory boss Mack who is going through a mid life crisis and is desperately unhappy.
Julie misses her brother who works abroad, and is thrilled when he comes to visit. He offers her a job - but does she have the courage to leave her old life behind?
Jenny is engaged to her best friend's brother, and has a happy life. When someone from her past starts working at the factory, her life is turned upside-down.
Alan and Sally have been happily married for years, and with her fortieth birthday coming up he decides to throw her a party with a surprise gift in store.