Resolved Question

Question about unfair dismissal?

Hi ive worked for this company just over a year now, i have been signed of with depression for about 3months now. A month and a half ago i sent them a new sick note, which They claimed didn't reach them, so i sent in another copy. I heard nothing from them so i rang up my head office, and no one was free. so i left it and assumed they had got it. Come paypay, nothing in the bank. So i tried to ring my HR manager and she was busy. I rang her 12 times that day (I have my phone bill to prove it) and still couldn't get through, and she never returned my calls. So i still haven't been paid. Ive had a letter come through this morning, telling me i have to go to some sort of meeting, LAST FRIDAY. And that i am up for gross misconduct, as i have apparently not returned their calls, failed to sent in any form of sick note, and breech of trust. The breech of trust thing is about face book, basically someone who i worked with has taken a photo of my profile, showing what i had been doing on there, and recent activity) Surely if im ill i can still browse the internet, and how is this breech of trust? I haven't heard anything since about the meeting last friday, but im guessing my p45 is in the post. Does this class as unfair dismissal?
Sorry for the long description, thanks

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

If you've been working there for less than 2 years, they can sack you at will, provided they don't discriminate on race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or disability.

It sounds as though your ex-employer has a disciplinary procedure and they haven't stuck to it. Forget telephone calls, they are a waste of time. Write a letter to the head of HR, and send a copy of it to the Company Secretary, making the following points:

1) You have been on sick leave. You have been sending medical certificates (give the dates on which you sent them). While you appreciate that letters occasionally are lost in the post, their failure to act on any of them suggests a systematic failure.

2) You have made every effort to return their calls, but on each occasion your HR manager (give the name) was "busy" and failed to return your call.

3) You have received their letter - give the date of the letter, the date of the postmark on the envelope and the date you received it. You were unable to attend the meeting because the letter arrived after the date of the meeting and you were on sick leave.

3) You refute any allegations of gross misconduct. The loss of your medical certificates and lack of communication has been entirely due to the failure of systems and individuals in the HR department. There has also been an allegation that your home use of the internet somehow constitutes a breach of trust. This allegation is unfounded and illegal.

4) It has been your intention to return to work as soon as your doctor says you are fit. The attempts to discipline and dismiss you in your absence are clear breach of your service contract.

5) You are owed salary of £... You require from them immediate payment of all outstanding salary. You also require an apology, a withdrawal of all disciplinary action and an assurance that your job will be available to you when your doctor says you are fit to return. If they insist on terminating your contract unilaterally, you will require appropriate compensation for loss of office.

6) Unless you receive a satisfactory reply with 14 days, you will start legal action against the firm without further notice.

That should be enough to get your back pay. Anything else you get out of it is a bonus.

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Other Answers (5)

• You could ask for a meeting with them. What date was on the letter and what was the postage date? There has been a postal strike. They should give you adequate notice. How come the phone calls show up on your phone bill if you could not get through? Wait for the letter from them and if not happy with the reasons tell them you want another meeting.
  Sorry but if you have been off for 3 months they most probably want to replace you.
• Myself I contend that letters are good, assuming they are written utilising good grammar and spelling (always use a spill chucker!). You can obtain some good tips for writing letters by learning from the website in the box below, it's got a lot of alternative stuff about job searching aswell.

  Source(s):

• Your letter should show you have the right to appeal their decision, you should exercise this and explain that you have tried to contact them and they should give you a fair hearing. The outcome may still be dismissal though but at least you get a chance to defend yourself.
  
  The other option is to contact ACAS and ask them to arbitrate for you. If they haven't offered you the right to appeal then it automatically becomes unfair dismissal. Its quite hazy the area around sicknotes but depression is covered under the DDA so you then have a good case for discrimination. I would avoid tribunals if you can achieve a good outcome via concilliation.

  Source(s):

• Can I just say that being off work with depression was how I discovered
  Yahoo answers, and it was part of my healing process as I had something to focus on and stimulate my brain cells
  
  Unless you brought your company into disrepute on face-book
  I think they have acted appallingly
  
  You've got a sick LINE in,as you should, and that's what is required,not someone wasting time checking your personal online activity
  They have over-stepped the mark here
  
  What they say you have done, isn't gross misconduct anyway
  
  Maybe check your Contract of Employment and seek advice from ACAS
• Old Know it all is incorrect, with over a year's service, you do have full employment rights.
  The meeting you were called to was a first stage disciplinary meeting but obviously as you did not receive the letter, you couldn't attend. In your absence they will have had the meeting and come to a decision. Assuming they have decided to sack you, you do have the right of appeal. ACAS will tell you all this if you ring their helpline.
  I can't tell you the rights and wrongs of your case because I'm not there, but you do have a right to be heard. I suggest you send a recorded delivery letter saying that you only just received the letter re the meeting and asking for the first stage meeting to be held again. You have the right to be accompanied at this meeting.

  Source(s):

Resolved Question

I started a new job today and was told to leave after lunch....?

this was due to a mistake made by the person who contacted me with the offer for the job.

The phonecall should have been made to the person who just happened to have the same FOREname as me so thats what caused the mix-up. I was never supposed to get the vacancy.

I asked if there where any other positions and they said not at the moment.

The offered to pay for the full day (even though I only worked a morning).

Should they be doing anything else to make up for their error and the distress this has caused me and my family or is there anything I can do, I feel a days wages is nothing compared to the anger and dissapointment my family and I feel.

Additional Details

It just seems like they are getting away with it lightly considering I have been jobless for several months and you can imagine how your family feels when you get a job, and then this happens.

1 day ago

Thanks for your advice so far folks, I will contact the CAB to see if there is any advice that they can offer, talk above highs and lows though.

1 day ago

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

This is a total collapse of the HR department, or in old money the personnel department, or personnel officer.
Do you know what I think, the company may find themselves wanting at least under the Health and Safety at work Act 1974 etc, you were an employee at the time, then dismissed over this total mis- management of an employees position.
Under the HASAWA it is stated "it shall (shall is absolute,of no opinion, shall be done irrespective of cost etc) be the duty of every employer where is reasonably practicable to ensure the health safety AND WELFARE (that does not just mean provide toilet rolls) of their employees.
You I believe were an employee at the time of dismissal, you were invited on the premises, and by the sounds of it "put to work" that includes any training you received be it brief.
As other subscribers have stated, go to CAB AND contact other employment agencies,.
I know mistakes happen in industry but this is not acceptable in any case, and they should be found wanting in their total act of negligence
I really wish you good fortune in your endeavours.

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Other Answers (9)

• You would still be jobless without this error. You have suffered no loss other then the inconvenience of the day. They do owe you one days pay.
  
  Instead of being a jerk you should have used this opportunity to find out why no one wants to hire you. You had the perfect opportunity to find out why they were "OMG, what he is doing here" to you and why this other person is better then you are.
• Ridiculous!!!
  I have never heard of such a nonsensical reason for dismissal!
  I am not an HR expert, so I won't pretend to know employment law. I am certain, however, that you must have a strong claim for compensation here. After all, you may well have turned down (or at least, missed the opportunity of) another job for this one. I suggest you consult a solictor without delay. Alternatively, the Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to help.

  Source(s):

• That suxs - but the bottom line is that it was a mistake and if nothing more they told you the truth. They could have just as easily told you they were cutting their staff due to unexpected loss of business (don't laugh, it happened to a friend of mine - worked 15 minutes and was let go with 1/2 the company).
  
  Many states have 'at will' employment laws where they can fire you for not wearing the correct socks... Forget the lawsuit - you really have no case. Best of luck with job search!
• I have heard of this happening, as well as people who were not hired (in a large company) just showing up for orientation. It is within their right to say sorry, but we did not hire you. Plus, you are under probation so you can be fired for looking at somebody the wrong way.
• I'm afraid they're not even legally required to pay you for the whole day, only the time you worked. You could try suing them for mental anguish or some BS like that, but you'd have a tough time getting that to stick.
• I think that is really bad of them, what idiot phoned the wrong person? You should take advice from the CAB or a Solicitor for this I think.
• oh man that truely sucks! dont think there is much youcan even do about that either! unlucky! x
• I think that's just the pits!! It might be worth contacting the CAB (if you are in the UK) just in case there is something you can do (Sue the B**tards comes to mind). My heart bleeds for you and your family. It's hard enough trying to make ends meet without the emotional stress here. And (again if you are in the UK) if you signed off your Job Seekers Allowance, there's all that to sort out ..... yes, CAB, asap.
  
  To Landlord, I truly hope for your sake, you never find yourself out of work!!
• 08457 47 47 47 is the number of ACAS or visit www.acas.org.uk.
  Acas stands for Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service their helpline advises on basic employment law. It was the company's mistake not yours so you may have a case for compensation of some kind. Though you do not have full employment rights in a probationary period of employment however you appear to have done nothing wrong. Did you sign a contract? This may not matter because even without a contract you are protected by employment law. I am not a lawyer though have found acas helpful in the past.

Resolved Question

My uni tutor will be contacted as a reference for a job? Is it against the law to give a bad reference?

And can he divulge in personal information such as my degree result etc? I am just worried because he is crazy.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

No they cant give a 'bad' reference by law they have to give an 'accurate' reference. If they have asked for your degree result he can give it.

Im sure he has done many references before and will have a standard approach to them. If it does prove it is bad you can request to see it under data protection then look to take further action.

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Other Answers (9)

• You do not have to give the name of your Tutor as reference .. you can choose some-one else.
  
  NB. Your Degree result is not 'personal information' (sorry) = indeed, many Universities publish degree results in local newspapers .. and if the job you applied for requires a Degree as a pre-qualification, you can be sure they will check with the University that you do, in fact, have a degree ...
  
  There is no law on 'references' .. the normal law of libel / slander applies .. many big Companies may well refuse to give references (except for dates you worked there, your job title and your salary) for fear of possible legal action in the event you don't get the (new) job and then try to blame them ...
• If you posess a degree - or any other qualification - then you'll already be ahead of the masses when it comes to hunting for professions. My friend has a degree and he wasn't certain what direction to go with it, but he found some great tips on the website in the resource box below which helped him to decide that he wanted to be a lab assistant. There is plenty of guidance on the website regarding other professions.

  Source(s):

• Your former employer can say what they wish, but if it can be demonstrated that they are not telling the truth, they could be leaving themselves open to a claim of negligent misstatement, libel or malicious falsehood. Therefore, as a matter of best practice, employers tend not to give bad references, so as to avoid these potential problems.
• People tend not to give bad references. They either refuse to give them or will write one where the employer can read between the lines. You say you are worried that he may divulge information such as your degree result. This is information you will have to be honest about so I am not sure why you are concerned. I have had to take my degree certificate to quite a few interviews.
• People won't give 'bad' references per se and say things like you were lazy or rude etc.. They would merely stay that Joe Blogg was a student at the university between 2007 and 2009 and leave it there... potential new employers would then draw their own conclusions ! If you were good, then any previous employers would make it very clear that you were good and that they didn't want to lose you !
• Yes it is against the Law to give a bad reference. He will be expected to divulge information with regard to your Degree if asked but this is unlikely.
  If you have been a bad student the worst he can do is to say that he is unable to provide a reference.
• Strangely, bad references are not permitted, which makes references pointless, surely. Thus referees have to word things carefully in order to convey negatives.
• He is obliged by law to say the truth. He cannot lie and he cannot say his opinion, only facts. he could put your results but not just call you 'lazy'.
• He's obliged to tell the truth, good or bad. If you were a lazy failure, he's got to say so.

Resolved Question

I have interview for McDonald's should I wear a suit jacket?

I have an interview 4 McDonald's was going 2 wear a suit jacket but people are telling me a suit jacket is over the top for there
what do people think

Additional Details

Im going for an interview at McDonalds would you wear smart trousers, top and suit jacket OR just smart trousers and top?

2 days ago

Im going for an interview at McDonalds would you wear smart trousers, top and suit jacket OR just smart trousers and top?

2 days ago

Im going for an interview at McDonalds would you wear smart trousers, top and suit jacket OR just smart trousers and top?

2 days ago

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Dress to impress - a suit shows you think highly enough of your (potentially) future employer to dress up rather than down. First impressions last.

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Other Answers (4)

• dear Michelle,
  There is an old saying in Bulgaria: "When meeting you people respect you based on the clothes you wear. When sending you they respect you based on the wisdom you have shown!"
  
  You should not miss neither of the opportunities to impress the future employer. I would recommend to dress yourself business like.
• Many people get stuck when they are attempting to decide what to wear at an interview. Myself I'm from the old school, I think that formal wear is never inappropriate; you can get some guidance from the website in the box below, they also have loads of info on job searching.

  Source(s):

• yeah casual unless your going for manager.
• go casual.. defo

Resolved Question

How to get a job in retail? Help please, UK?

So, i am unemployed, about to start a training course with the Job centre but i do wont to do that, i want a job. (In retail) I have been to 2 of my town centres and asked about vacencys. (Most of them said no sraight away and a couple of stores took my C.V. I keep searching online retailers recuitment sites for vacencys and never find any to match, and when i do i get rejected.

I dont know what im doing wrong. so whats the best way to get a job in retail?

Thanks

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

just keep trying, thats all you can do. im in the same boat as you. ive finally got an interview after a year of searching. me and my friends would go into the shops and ask if they had any application forms and they would either say no or take our c.v's off us

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Other Answers (2)

• Hi have you ever considered doing an apprenticeship? You could get a job in retail,gain valuable experience and qualifications at the same time.
  It is so hard to get a job at the moment,you need to make yourself the most employable by having experience in retail,i think doing an apprenticeship would help....
  
  good luck
• h i have just been through the same thing the only advice i can offer you really is apply for everything i have found that most retailers aren't interested in cvs unless you are going for management also if one employer has several vacancies send a form off for each one

Resolved Question

What careers could i get with these a-levels: physics, law, spanish, psychology?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

what a strange combination of subjects. You could train as a legal translator . Medical translators are needed in Spanish hospitals when british or american patients are being examined. A psychology degree at Masters level offers clinical or child psychology options. Physics could be an advantage if training to be a teacher as would any of the other subjects. Good luck. Have you already gained these a levels or just thinking ahead?

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No other answers.

Resolved Question

Job application form help.(easy points?

im applying for a job in a travel agent and i have to write a page about why do i think i would be the right candidate for the job, but my creative juices aren't flowing properly.
any ideas.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Travel Agents do what? Think sales sales sales. They want you to sell their flights packages etc. Your application should show why you can sell well, state anything like, I am good at communicating with people and have had experience of selling in a shop/bar/selling ideas to my class mates.

Think customer service - 'i can exceed customer expectations, and also let customers know about the great offers and deals we have' Talk about getting repeat custom year on year, calling up customers and following up initial queries to get them to buy. Talk about giving the customer what they want.

Think knowledge - state that you always build a good knowledge of the products to give good service and be able to sell. Know your product.

General skills - telephone, politeness, keyboard/computer

Above all show you re eager to learn their way of working and you re really excited about the company and all that stuff.

Put examples of this in the application.....Sales skills - working at....; customer service - reading a book, working in a shop

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Other Answers (1)

• It will be easier for you to write a page if you make six bullet points with one or two words about why you like to travel and why you would like to hlep other people travel. After doing that go back and under each bullet point write a couple of sentences talking more about what you said in the bullet point. After that if you put all those bullet points together and polish it a little you'll have your paper done.

Resolved Question

What to do.... work experience?

Ok so i my school give me a website and i have found the company details that i want to work for. (accounting firm) What should i do they don't open till monday should i ring them then or just print off info and hand it in to school?

I don't know what they will ask me to do when i ring or if they will turn me down? 10 points to best answer. (Not Voters)

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

My answer is too late for you now. It's you who need the work experience not your school. So why hand in the info to the school? Prepare your school resume or transcript of record so the company can assess you for the job requirement.

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No other answers.

Resolved Question

How to plan to get a job in the UK while abroad?

I have been working abroad for the past year, and I have just been informed by my employer that they will not be renewing my contract which means I have to leave the job and country by May 2010 to return to the UK. My next year's holiday allocation is 30 days so, if I want to leave in May how soon should I be applying for jobs and how to I go about applying for jobs in the UK if I am working abroad. Am I best to take a month's holiday and go back to the UK in April and try and arrange as many interviews as I can.Can I persuade UK employer to interview me over the phone? I am just wondering what the best situation is as returning to the UK without a job is not an option.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Yes you can persuade from possible UK employer to interview you on the phone

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No other answers.

Resolved Question

16 years old, job applicant am i working part time or full time?

i know i can only work 35 hours a week because im still in school so on my job applicant do i mark part time or full time?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

You should mark part time , even you do 35 hours

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Other Answers (4)

• If you are still studying in school (not college) then alot of rules apply to you. Take a look at the Direct.gov website here:
  
  http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/ParentsRights/DG_4002945
  
  Basically whilst you're still studying at school it is illegal to work full time. According to Direct.gov you can work a Maximum of 12hours a week during Term Time.
  
  Hope this helps.

  Source(s):

• If you are a full time student, then you can only work part time.
• If you are prepared to do either tick them both! Otherwise
  
  Up to 16 hours is part time
  
  Over 16 hours is full time
• full time is classed as 35 hours

Resolved Question

At a job interview what sort of questions should i be asking when they ask have i got any questions?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

hi
dont ask about the wage - its a big no,no as is sick pay !
ask about career advancment within the company.staff progression making a point you are ambitious.

it does depend on the job role, if it involves sales make sure you push that you are target driven,if it involves working in a team make sure you come across as a team player and support staff progression as its a big thing at the moment.

ask if they support you to gain qualifications that would help you and the company .

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Other Answers (3)

• It really does depend on the type of job. At my last interview I said that I was quite target driven and asked if there would be an opportunity for me to see how I was progressing in relation to the other staff. That went down well and I did get the job!!
  I always find it best to start with a positive trait about yourself, such as being target driven or ambitious and try and ask a genuine question. When you actually think about the job you're going for you may have some genuine questions anyway!
• Depends on the job. But you should ask.....
  
  What's a typical work day going to be like for me?
  Don't ask how much you will be paid, they usually frown on that.
  Who will be my boss if you don't already know.
  What hours would I be working? etc.
• Just tell them why u think ur the best person for the job,but dont bullshit,get straight to the point.

Resolved Question

I am about to start a job at ORANGE as a sale adviser, Any advice?

i am going for training at orange on the 7th oct, and i am worried i will say or do the wrong thing.
please any who works or who has worked at orange please help me

Additional Details

thanks for the serious advice, NOT

3 days ago

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Not quite orange but i work at the one of the other large mobile retailers, and if its anything like my job then i wouldnt worry too much its a very friendly environment to satrt a new job in. The best thing you can do is to just talk to people, when you have customers even if you know nothing about the phone/deal they may want just talk to them and try and keep a conversation flowing until you can ask a colegue for some help. Only thing to be careful of is we have a rule of your not 150% sure what your doing is correct then do not tyr and process it on the computers, making a mistake when talking to someone is fine, your human, but to avoid any major problems just do not try and process sales if you are not completely sure, just ask someone, n yeah your customer may have to wait a while longer then usual but if you can keep them talking or make them laugh then they will think nothing of waiting that bit longer.
I wont take long for you to gain some confidence and i assume you will have someone in charge of training you so just relax!!!

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Other Answers (2)

• I only worked at Lemon before, but the job soured :]

  Source(s):

• What, where, why, who is ORANGE!! LOL!

Resolved Question

How do I become a glamour model? In in the UK?

I'm a student and need to earn a little money before Christmas. Friends are always telling me I could be a glamour model and it is something I'd like to try but I'm not really sure where to start.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Hello Kimberly

Having been a glamour model myself (I now work part time as a glamour photographer's assistant) I know exactly how you must feel - you'd think glamour modelling would be the easiest thing in the world to get into, and yet there's so much conflicting advice out there, and you hear so many horror stories - I don't blame you if you're finding it difficult to know where to start.

Here's a few tips to get you started:

Firsly, you need some pictures - a portfolio, if you like. There are several ways to do this and none of them have to break the bank. One way would be to find a photographer who's interested in glamour and offer to work TFP (your "Time For Prints/Photos") - you'll find lots of photographers listed on modelling websites like: www.nomorehiding.com

This'll give you some pictures and some modelling experience.

Once you have some photos you can then use the same websites to advertise yourself as a glamour model. Most of them are free

There's loads more I could tell you.. but really it's probably easiest if you check out the FAQ and advice on our website at www.nomohi.com/models

My final piece of advice is to:-
- forget about modelling agencies, and all that stuff - that's for fashion models - glamour modelling is a whole different world
- stay safe
- don't do anything you don't want to do!
- be professional

I wish you all the best

Karen

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  Just visit the following link for details and be happy because you are lucky.
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• Send your photos off to the Sunday Sport.

Resolved Question

Employer goes against employment agreement?

in may 08 i joined my company and signed a regular employment agreement. I have signed to work monday to friday, 9-6, bank holiday off etc etc...
after almost one year, in march 08 they forced me to work shifts, promising that soon a new position would have been made available for me, that suited more my personality and skills and that would bring me back to my original working hours. Nothing has never been put into writing, and we are now almost in October, and of this phantom new job i hardly hear about. Over the months i have asked how long i needed to wait and i have always been told "soon"! I am suffering for this reason of low self esteem, i feel incredibly frustrated and i have fear of putting my cv out there. This company makes me hanging out by a hope thread for months, without any security, and it is damaging me immensely on many levels. Moreover i needed in the past to ask them to pay my only day of sickness (as they introduced this new policy) and i had to battle not to keep me alone in the office during weekends as it was a breach of health and safety.
What can i do about my working shift, and do i have rights to appeal? I need to go back to my normal hours, and to feel protected by the company i work for, but they just play with me...

PLS NOTE: the agreement does NOT contain any clause that says that things such as working hours and working bank holidays can be changed. It is signed by the director and myself.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

There was no reason for you to agree to a change to your contract, and while there is an opinion that these must be capable of being changed, in law there is no obligation for this. Most changes to contracts should be negotiated, with benefits agreed for both sides; if you don't achieve that, you should consider whether you want to agree to a change of contract.

That said, the fact you have now been working this new arrangement since March (I assume of this year) does lend itself to the idea that you have accepted the changes - you should either not have agreed to the changes in March, refused to work them, or at least secured a clear understanding on what would follow.

The fact the original contract doesn't include any clause about changing the hours is irrelevant: you are effectively working under a new contract, and would appear to have agreed to this, albeit with an ambiguous agreement about the future.

You could try to force a reversal of this, and get back to what the written contract states, but it wouldn't be easy to achieve. It is worth lodging a formal grievance, but there remains no guarantee that you will get your old working pattern back. Read about grievances on the ACAS website (acas.org.uk), and make sure you file a clear & comprehensive complaint, making reference to the agreement you had reached with the employer.

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Other Answers (2)

• If you are in the UK, all contracts must be capable of being changed, even if there is no clause in them to say this.
  the fact that you agreed to work shifts and that you have turned up and actually worked shifts constitutes a change in your contract. If you now wish to change the contract, you have to make a formal request to do so. If your employer does not agree, you would need to follow your company's grievance procedure - which ultimately might mean that you don't get what you want especially if the employer can show there are good operational reasons for you being required to work the shift pattern which you do.

  Source(s):

• I can only agree with the two excellent and correct legal inputs you have already: all contracts have a change process written in, no need to accept change, but as you have accepted and worked for a period to this new format its almost accepted by default.
  
  My thought here now is: how do you resolve this? In the present rising unemployment economy, I think most formats of approach would result in some form of "well, if it doesn't suit you, resign" response.
  
  You say that it is "damaging me immensely on many levels" - have you talked to your doctor about this? My thought is, if you could get support from your doctor that returning to more normal 9-5 hours/shifts, then your health and productivity would improve.
  
  Companies don't need to presently "protect" employees beyond legal and Health & Safety requirements: long doll queues means easy replacement, often at lower wages/higher skills. The question therefore is, do you want to work for this company? And in all honesty, the answer sounds like a very loud NO - but you don't seem to have the confidence to say this to yourself.
  
  I suggest, whatever option you take, that you do have a look around. You have been there 18months+, which is a good time to turn over your career. Yes, there is a chance of being in a worse position, but you are in a morally in a stronger position to negotiate T&C's as a new employee over changing them as an existing employee. You can hide your details on most of the large job boards, and just be very choosy about what/where you apply.
  
  There are lots of ways of answering legal questions, but at the end of the day, if you don't want to work there: move on.
  
  Good Luck!

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Resolved Question

Been offered a job, shall I take it?

I had an interview yesterday and have been offered the job. However I'm not sure whether or not to take it. When at the interview I didn't get a good vibe from the office - the people didn't seem like people I could get along with and the job didn't sound as impressive as it did on paper.

Part of me doesn't want to take the job for these reasons but another part of me does want to take it simply because I have been out of work now for almost 6 months now and I hate being unemployed.

Should I take the job or hold out for something better?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Yes take it now for the money. Then work it out from there and do what you want.

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Other Answers (3)

• If you've been out of work for 6 months surely it makes sense to take the job? You don't have the luxury to turn it down for something better.
• Yes, take it for money now...
• You're right to be cautious. Many workplaces are so badly managed that working there can cause serious injury to your health.
  As you're out of work, I'd guess that you're receiving unemployment benefits of some sort. In that case have little option but to take the job that is offered. However, if you're not being financially blackmailed by the state, you do have some option.
  Apart from emotional blackmail, there's no reason not to take a job but to continue looking for something better. Quite simply they pay you for the work you do, not for your loyalty. So you could walk out at anytime. If you leave after only a couple of weeks because you've been offered a better job, that is your right.
  But if you choose to leave because there are serious issues at work it will disadvantage you financially. But then you'd be no worse off than if you had refused the job in the first place. If there are serious issues it's their problem, but you end up being the loser.
  I'd suggest responding to their job offer by telling them you felt uncomfortable at the interview & may prefer to continue looking elsewhere. See how they respond to the implied criticism. Now you have choice. Either a) If they respond positively it's possible your fears are unfounded. In that case, take the job but remember you can always continue looking for better, or if things go wrong you can walk out & write saying you will only work for them if they put things right. If this happens it is vital you put everything in writing. You have to specify what they have to put right & if they refuse then make it clear that they will be understood by mutual agreement to have discontinued your employment. Or b) If their response is at all negative say to them that you understand they are withdrawing the job offer.
  I hope it all turns out better than you fear. Best of luck!

Resolved Question

I'm a graduate looking for a job but have no reference. Does that mean my chances of employment is slim?

Thanks.

Additional Details

Problem is I didn't even know my teachers! I really doubt they will give me a reference.

1 day ago

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

what kind of references are you referring to? if you have never had a job before, of course you won't have any business references - everyone is in that same situation until they get their first job - use college, church or club leaders/teachers/administrators as references

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Other Answers (2)

• No reference? You need to get creative. Are you a high school or college graduate? Were you involved in any clubs/projects? If so, you can always put the Club President or Faculty Sponsor as a reference (if you actually participated, that is!) Have you ever been a babysitter? I babysat for a couple for 4 years and the are still one of my best references. Have you ever done an internship? That counts as work experience, too! You can also include adults you've known for a while as references.
  
  It will be tougher for you to get a job but dig deep! You'll find you have more referenced than you thought.

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• You can ask your teachers or professors to vouch for you and then jot their names down. Employers just want to know what sort of character you have.

Resolved Question

Has anyone worked for Kleeneze before?

Do they pay you only if you get customers to make orders? Or do you get a proper wage per hour? thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

You don't get paid an hourly rate. Working for Kleeneze you're classed as self employed thus you choose what hours you work and the company has no way of monitoring this, so you only get paid when you get orders.

For every £1000 worth of orders you earn £275 when you first join. This will increase the longer that you've been in the business. They say on average this should take you 8-10 hours but from what I've seen, personally, although I haven't done it myself, I would add a few hours on top of that. It will depend mostly on the area you're working in, the speed you're working at and there is of course an element of luck to it. However, if you worked it out on an hourly rate I would certainly say in general you'll earn over national minimum wage.

My father has worked for Kleeneze part time for something close to 10 years. He works hard but earns around £900 per month part time working around his main line of work as a will writer. At the end of the day in that line of work, whilst there will always be an element of luck to some degree, the harder you work the more you'll get out of it.

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Other Answers (1)

• Hi Jenna,
  
  Jade is spot on.
  
  I have worked alongside Kleeneze for years & still do.
  
  IIt's not for everyone, especially if they just want a fixed wage. It's primarily for people who want an additional income or more ambitious people who would like to earn a substantial income without being tied to a job with a boss!
  
  Geoff

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Resolved Question

Certified Nursing Assistants in Florida or RN's?

I live in Jacksonville and I want to get certified for CNA.Where would I take these classes that I need to take?Could I go to Florida State College at Jacksonville?And who would I talk to??Thanks!!!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

FSC would be a good place to start - as a community college, it will likely be far more affordable than a university or private school. I would go to one of their larger campuses (either downtown or on Beach Blvd.) and go to the admissions office - they have councilors there who can give you advice as to whether you currently qualify for admission and direct you to a faculty member who can help you plan out a curriculum.

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Other Answers (1)

• Nursing is a brilliant vocation, I have met many wonderful nurses in my life, both men and women. My daughter discovered some brilliant instruction about it on the resource in the box below, and now she is in her inaugural year of training.

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Resolved Question

Should I put my voluntary work down on my CV?

I have not had paid work for nearly 12 years but have filled my time bringing my two children up single handed and doing voluntary work, before spending the past 5 years in education - I am now applying for paid jobs again - but do I put the voluntary work I did during my course down as a job (I started there as a placement student but then carried on as a volunteer) and do I put the 5 years I did volunteering when being a mum as a job?

Additional Details

Also - how long should I go back? I was in paid work 12 years ago - should I put that in?

16 hours ago

K - I am writing a CV not a book - I can't put everything I have done since 13 - I am now in my 30's!

16 hours ago

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

absolutely! voluntary work looks very impressive on a CV. Best of luck to you.... you're an inspiration to those of us who are still at home with the babies!!

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Other Answers (8)

• I would certainly put down your voluntary work, you can put it in the list along with your previous employment but make it clear that it was voluntary and not paid. Put down the duties you carried out in a similar way as you would if it were a job. It all counts as experience and looks good on a CV.
• I think you should definitely include it. You don't have to go into much detail, just briefly mention that you did volunteer work, for how long, and where you did it. It will definitely look good, plus it will avoid having a big gap in your life where you didn't seem to do anything - the employer might thing you were in prison or something!
• Definitely put the voluntary work down.
  
  EVERY job (paid/voluntary) you have EVER had since you turned 13 - which is the legal age to work.
  
  I'm in my 30's as well, and I have listed EVERY job I have ever had. Employers want to know EVERYTHING you have ever done in terms of work.
• Voluntary work looks very impressive on a CV, it lets the employer know you're committed to the work and not just the paycheck and shows that you're willing to broaden your horizons. It can be a very desirable attribute to an employer.
• I'd certainly mention the voluntary work. it shows that you haven't just been sitting there doing squat.
  Enter it in the usual way within the time span, but make it clear that it was voluntary.
  It won't do you any harm.
• Yes you should include your voluntary work, it is classed as unpaid work. So it shows that you have been working and having experience behind you.
• Yes. A potential employer will want to know what you're capable of doing. The fact that you weren't paid for it is irrelevant.

• Answer hidden due to its low rating

  If you're a student your hurdles can be many and varied, from Deciding on your career track to hunting for a temporary job. The site in the box below has lots of tips and tricks for students, and they have things concerning job seeking as well.

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