The axe is looming overhead

[stamford]

Well I got my letter today, my position is being considered for redundancy. Therefore I may have to make some sacrifices, the zed maybe a casualty. I have to face facts and say having this will be a luxury. However I will only react when the need arises. Looks like contract work could be on the horizon, anyone do this? I'll miss the works pension mainly as that was pretty good. I could see it coming but when it does it doesn't make it feel any better.

[peterzs]

Bummer, they have to follow procedure and issue letters to everyone.

Hopefully your position may be safe, they have to have to talk to you and say why. Then you can put up any reasons that might help you stay in your position, like working less hours, cutting overtime, anything that will save money. Then they have further talks and advise you what they are going to do.

The letter will go out to all that might be at risk.

No takeovers on the cards.

If there are TUPE will apply. and the new owners have to take you on, under the same conditions as your current Contract of Employment.

Hope it all works out OK. Worrying times.

[stamford]

No takeover, family owned business. My role ought to be safe as I am the only one who can run the 3D software, but you never know!

[top_man_eldo]

Best of luck with it, I've been in that situation a few times. I work in the paper manufacturing industry, once a good old heavy British industry like the steel works and coal mines, it's dying out at a rate of knots now, in this country anyway. Think we've had three lots of redundancies in the past three years, so far I've been OK, but my time will come.

[M17TT180]

Fingers crossed for you Mick.

[talkingcars]

I would repeat what Pete said.

This is the worst point, not knowing.

Hope it works out for you.

[Supercharged_Z]

Hi Mick,

I have had that T shirt twice and its generally a horrible situation, hopefully your be safe but its not nice. Sometimes the grass can be a little greener mind you.

Redundancy in 2008 put me in a dream job 4 months later and gave me a leg up to setup my own business January 2013, never looked back. Silver lining and all....

hope it sorts itself for you

[p_b82]

Been there after only 3 years on the job, thinking that was it...... I got a role change and have been here another 8 years since.

As said still horrible not knowing... and I reckon you can work out a way to keep the ZS you know you'll regret it even if it only comes out a few times a year for the summer show season!

Finger's crossed it doesn't come to that though.

[stamford]

Still waiting! This will be my fourth time so not new to it, however it doesn't get any easier. Just been reading the Gov website to make sure I get what I am entitled to and my rights etc. They seem to be targeting the near retirement ones but more the high earners, both of which are wrong. I guess they don't like my pension contributions! At least I know I am entitled to 8 weeks notice or pay in lieu of notice (8 weeks gardening leave, I prefer garage leave ;)) plus 12 weeks statutory redundancy. However I can't take a job within the notice period or I'll forfeit the redundancy pay. It doesn't stop me going for a permanent role and giving them a notice period pro-rata.

[mattyprice4004]

I've worn the hat once, and it was the most awful work-related experience I've had to date.
Good luck mate.

[talkingcars]

However I can't take a job within the notice period or I'll forfeit the redundancy pay. It doesn't stop me going for a permanent role and giving them a notice period pro-rata.

My wife has been through this with a 2 month consoltation period and 4 months notice - as she was in sales and the company closed the department nationwide that meant 6 months gardening leave.

So as not to have the problem of being offered a job before the end of this period she only started looking in the last month. Thankfully she was offered 3 jobs within a month of finishing. My point here is that if you take a bit of time for yourself and then start looking and you are lucky you shouldn't be redundant for too long, and employers expect you to have a notice period so don't expect you to start tommorow.

The job she took was the result of putting herself up on several job sites, definatly worth doing yourself as you have a lot of skills and experience in your field.

[stamford]

I'm already on several sites and have started the ball rolling. What I will do is when I know it's definate I'll change my status on Linked-In and that will spread pretty quickly. I was head-hunted last year but didn't fancy moving to the Witshire area.

[peterzs]

Near Thruxton race track!!!!

[Maxfly]

Not good mick, hope it goes whichever way you want it to in the end!
Still never really a good position to be in, hope it is sorted out soon.

[stamford]

Just had my consultation meeting, nothing new there. I'll be notified by lunchtime tomorrow of the answer. It is between me and my colleague, who used to be my boss. No knowing which way they will play it. I know I am the better bet for future business but he has been here over 16 years, has a disability so that could be his trump card in this for they may fear he might use it against them. The only ball ache I can see ahead is having to work my 8 week notice period so I can finish off projects and handover etc. I can really see that being productive!

[peterzs]

You are allowed time off to attend interviews, Just have to book a load of them.

[mattyprice4004]

You are allowed time off to attend interviews, Just have to book a load of them.

A chap who did get the axe where I used to work did this - in the end he was hardly ever in! We had no clue how to do his job when he left... :D

[stamford]

It's official, I am redundant as of 31st July. However I may seek legal advice as they chose my colleague over me on points scoring apparently, except he has Parkinson's disease and he isn't fit for his duties imo, so believe this to be a the disability card thrown in! He is so **** I took his job when I started here over 8 years ago! :angry:

[grimmy]

Really sorry to hear that Mick.hope you get somewhere with the legal side. Positive discrimination is reallly becoming a big problem in this country.I live with the threat of redundancy pretty much constantly and I know it's bloody stressful.but onwards and upwards I think you will find something pretty quickly.all the best mate.

[ZS]

Mick, if you were to take them to tribunal and win, then keep your job etc, would you really still want to work for a company that tried to get you out once before already?

[petet16]

That sucks, tbh it sounds like you've been hung out to dry, but as above if you won your job back in a tribunal, would you really want it.

[stamford]

Really sorry to hear that Mick.hope you get somewhere with the legal side. Positive discrimination is reallly becoming a big problem in this country.I live with the threat of redundancy pretty much constantly and I know it's bloody stressful.but onwards and upwards I think you will find something pretty quickly.all the best mate.

Cheers. Getting a job with near the same money is the hard part, plenty of jobs but the pay is crap. Looks like contract work will be the option to keep things going when the time times.

Mick, if you were to take them to tribunal and win, then keep your job etc, would you really still want to work for a company that tried to get you out once before already?

I would be seeking damages not wanting to keep my job as cannot trust them.

That sucks, tbh it sounds like you've been hung out to dry, but as above if you won your job back in a tribunal, would you really want it.

Not at all now, even if I stayed it would be delaying the inevitable and they look likely to fold. I have asked for voluntary to see if the offer would be improved rather than compulsory.

[petet16]

Be careful with the voluntary redundancy, if you have mortgage payment protection they will want to see the redundancy letter, so it needs to state compulsory, and not voluntary.

[stamford]

I've never taken out those policies as most have a 90 day duration before making a claim and I don't intend on being out of work for that long.

[peterzs]

but you could end up with the choice, job back or compensation.!!

I've used the points system when our company was called to a tribunal by the only woman we had working for the company. We made her redundant, did everything right and she went for wrongful dismissal and sexual discrimination.

We got away with the sexual bit, due to my points chart!!! But the tribunal found in her favour as our Area Agent handled the dismissal procedure. The tribunal said it should have been a higher management bod who went to London and sorted it.

Been to a few tribunals and the employee is always on the winning side. Just whats awarded to them as compensation!!!!

Sorry to hear Mick, start looking and get all the time off to attend interviews, that you can.

Other thing to look for is the amount of a weeks pay, there used to be a cap so doesnt matter what you earn they can just pay the government weekly pay. Get the Contract of employment out and check everything.

Worth a read. https://www.gov.uk/staff-redundant/redundancy-pay

https://www.gov.uk/understanding-your-pay/working-out-your-pay

[stamford]

Been through all the websites Pete. Yea capped at £475 per week, I'm trying to negotiate and better payoff.

[talkingcars]

Sorry to hear this Mick but reading between the lines it sounds like you are better off going now if they are keeping on someone who has a condition that will only get worse.

[peterzs]

They can give you what they like or can afford, the redundancy payout is all tax free. Any salary, holiday pay, will be taxable.

Dont know if they will pay anything into your pension fund.

[Maxfly]

Sorry to hear this Mick, sounds like good advise from others regarding tribunals, go for it and make it work for you! No doubt you will get work soon off your own back but still stress you don't need in the meantime!

[BRMFUN]

Sorry indeed!

Take it from me, but I can't say why you should!!!!!

Firstly, if the point system is objective then you can't argue against it...ie a point for every year of service, you can't have a point for say I like him better than her!
As for employee always winning in tribunal that is very wrong,
Firstly a tribunal is the only justice system in the world where the potential victim has to pay to have their case heard!
Secondly any employer with half a brain can get away with anything in this country employment law is heavily waited in favour of the employer and that is a fact!

Is voluntary redundancy even on offer?

[stamford]

It's going to be a long day as PC not booting up so reverting to phone until the redundant IT specialist turns up or not! Really feel like **** this morning.

[peterzs]

You can play the points system by asking the right questions.

Could always ask to see how the points stacked up, first though best to play the game and see what you can get out of them.

Get their backs up, might not be productive.

[stamford]

You can play the points system by asking the right questions.

Could always ask to see how the points stacked up, first though best to play the game and see what you can get out of them.

Get their backs up, might not be productive.

True Pete. I have drafted a letter based on information ACAS gave me on the phone yesterday, I will leave this over the weekend to mull it over. I'll also get my daughter to read it as she is an HR Administrator. They have offered me £1k over the statutory capped minimum, derisory! Kathy is so angry with all of this. Also found out an employee was apparently spared a letter in case her stress levels were raised as they are on meds.

[p_b82]

Sorry to hear that Mick - and sorry to hear that the offer is so 'low' after such long and hard worked service......

Fingers crossed it all works out in the right way for you in the end, and you are able to find some work when all is done and dusted.

[jaorton]

It's rubbish being in that position. We were told this time last year at work that we were going to be reviewed and restructured. They wanted to complete it by September 2014. This dragged on and it was only in about May 2015 we were told the new structure.

I got "assimilated" into a new job but it's completely **** and I don't want it - I wanted redundancy. But they wouldn't let me argue that my new role was "different" and wouldn't let me apply for any of the other jobs.

I know it's a ball ache having to look for work but I'm sure you'll be fine finding a new job. Is there any opportunity for relocation or redeployment? Or are there any similar companies near-by who might want to hire?

[stamford]

I'm looking at anything within my skill base but salary will be a tough one as my current deal is pretty good so finding a comparable one is not easy. All I can do is look nearer home and drop the fuel expense required, failing that live away from home all week and return weekends if the job is good enough to take. I need to think about my pension fund and make sure that stays in good health.

[peterzs]

If you are brave. jaorten, you could have handed in your resignation and then gone to Tribunal under Constructive Dismissal.

Need to get a paper trial where you informed them that you did not want to change jobs as your contract of employment stated you were employed as a ***** . Then you need to record all discussions, you are allowed to take a "friend" into any interviews. Just make sure they will be happy to go into a tribunal.

They give the impression its just a chat, nope, more like a proper court, with a chairman, member of local commerce and someone on the workers side. I've been up against QC's and can get a bit intense.

Less its changed since I was working 7 years ago, employees always are looked on kindly.

But all a bit of a gamble.

[jaorton]

I'm gonna hand in my resignation next week. I've been offered a job elsewhere.

They did go through the process very strictly and I didn't take anyone into the consultations and that's all been recorded.

As far as the job goes, they say that the changes don't equate to more than 20% to warrant a change in role. I challenged it but the new job had been written so it was similar but being completely different.

Like, if one of my duties was "Change a wheel on a car" it has been changed to "Change a wheel on an aeroplane" and it's being passed off as the same task.

Either way, I'm gonna put it behind me. One of the departments that had major changes, 6/9 staff are taking either voluntary or compulsory redundancy because they're that pissed off with the place.

Onwards and upwards!

[mattyprice4004]

Good luck to all going through it - sounds tough. Hopefully something I can dodge for a while yet. :(

[LozMachine]

Unless you are very very unlucky, I find when one door closes another one opens not long after, just make sure you stick in there peeps! :console:

[BRMFUN]

For constructive dismissal to work there has to be a funamental breach of contract! Ask yourself if that's the case, it will need to be cast iron to win! If your being made redundant a fundamental breach for example would be someone else already employed to do your exact job!

[stamford]

For constructive dismissal to work there has to be a funamental breach of contract! Ask yourself if that's the case, it will need to be cast iron to win! If your being made redundant a fundamental breach for example would be someone else already employed to do your exact job!

Who is this aimed at as I haven't mentioned constructive dismissal?

I am looking at a breach of my rights in the selection process which sits in the unfair dismissal section of the case. ACAS have said I have enough to take this further. With the employee who was let off due to being on meds in case it stressed her out is discrimination. Also found that some redundant employees are getting a different deal so no continuity there.

[BRMFUN]

If you are brave. jaorten, you could have handed in your resignation and then gone to Tribunal under Constructive Dismissal.
.

Pleased Your case sounds better than constructive dismissal!!

[stamford]

Oh well that's it. Taken voluntary redundancy in order to squeeze some more monies out of them. Last official day is 25th September as have an 8 week notice period. Then I get the pay-off or kick in the nuts as it is the capped minimum plus a slight enhancement.

I must be honest and say I feel relieved as I cannot see much future left in the place, too many key people going this time leaving a fragile team behind and no work coming in. There will be more to come I am sure before the locks get changed! Quite how I am going to get through this 8 week period is interesting as I don't have the work or motivation now, told them that straight. Just found out this Windows install doesn't have any games loaded! :angry:

Job hunting starts in anger now, so my time here will be on job sites and letting my network of contacts know! Plan is to get a job lined up before the 8 weeks are up so the redundancy money is like christmas come early, otherwise it is a back-up plan and would be like having another 3 months pay.

[M17TT180]

Could always invest in my zs breaking and saving business ;)

[stamford]

I must resist any temptation to look at cars until I have a job offer lined up! The wife needs a change as the MGF is getting on a bit and needs some money thrown at it, so that may be going in the near future. If I had the space I would keep it and work on it.

[splinter]

Sorry to read this mate. At least you now know where you stand and can start searching in earnest on company time and WiFi.
Hope it all works out for you as I'm sure it will with all your experience

[Lukeus101]

Sorry to read this Mick :( im sure a man with your many talents will be snapped up quick!

[peterzs]

Sorry to hear, but in one way its a relief that you now know what's going on and can plan accordingly.

Plenty of job interviews to line up between now and September.

Dont forget you are entitled to any unused holiday pay, as well as the redundancy payment.

[vanishing days]

Sorry to hear this Mick redundancy is horrible to go through. fingers crossed as I got my current job after redundancy and it's the best job I've had

[stamford]

All the figures were checked through as I received my official letter to sign so all present and correct. Somewhat demoralising the actual figure compared to some people I know (different company and contract) who have had treble what I've had for the same length of service. Already had a couple of contacts spread the word and meeting up with them in the few weeks.

I did consider going freelance but the software I need is getting on for £7k plus £2k for a machine to run it less monitors is too much to plough in at this time.

[Maxfly]

Hope you find something soon Mick, sure you will and when you do at least then you can enjoy your payoff. Onwards and upwards!

[stamford]

My boss, Technical Director, left me an email before he went on a 3 week holiday giving me a list of designs to complete before I leave! Cheeky *******! Not exactly a short list but also wants a site plan showing all the cameras, smoke detectors, alarms etc..................yea right!

So there is nothing mentioned stating he wants it saved in 2D format, so I shall be doing what I can in 3D and leaving it in that format..................they don't have anyone capable of operating my system! No-one is trained up on 3D :laugh:

As I was writing this I had a call from an agency.............I have an interview :D

Oh and another call, another job! Like buses they are! :D

[peterzs]

good luck, with the interview.

Pity if the back problem suddenly flared up again and the doctor signed you off for a month or two!!!

[daytona365]

Good news to hear you maybe already back in employment....Some employers treat you like **** when you leaving, they dont understand you may not feel like working. Still good news and drinks on us when the next meet is finally arranged..

[talkingcars]

Good luck with the interviews.

[jc600]

Good luck mate. :)

[Dan1971]

Hope the interview(s) turn out well. Be nice to get a couple of offers on the table.

You know what - bit of redundancy cash, then (fingers X'd) into a new post....every cloud and all that

[stamford]

Cheers all. My aim is to get a new position sorted quickly so I can plan ahead rather than use the redundancy cash to live on. I have a few things I want to do and finish off around the home.

[Smokey]

Sounds like it's beginning to fall in to place!

[sneekyparrot]

Fingers crossed for you Mick.

P.

[p_b82]

Fingers's crossed for you with the interviews, hope they go well and you get something else lined up nice and quick!

[stamford]

Cheers all.

Got a telephone interview later today as a pre-cursor to a face-to-face interview early next week if that goes well, which it should! This role is a perfect match for my skills, just need to sell myself and take it from there.

[Dan1971]

Good luck mate ....

[peterzs]

Fingers crossed.

[Maxfly]

Best of luck!!

[stamford]

Well the telephone interview went very well, spent just over an hour chatting to the commercial director and they want to see me early next week for the face-to-face with the technical director and their lead design engineer. I have a very good feeling about this one.

Also got another interview at the end of the month for another role, so things are looking positive already. This one is a risk for the director as he is on holiday and knows that I may not be around come the time to see him, he's not happy but it's down to his poor timing.

[peterzs]

Dont forget they are lucky to get you, your skills dont grow on trees so dont let them think you are desperate!!!!

Many irons in the fire, etc.

:beer::beer::beer:

[stamford]

To be honest Pete they know they are fortunate to find someone with the right skills and knowledge so they need me more than I need them as the market is better than first thought, alot of positions out there with not enough people to fill them and they have admitted that. The director who can't see me until month end even said he reckons I will be snapped up by then. I shall be playing it down and telling them I have a couple of other interviews to see through first and want to see them before making any decisions. Not playing hardball, just as you say not showing desperation.

[jc600]

Hope all goes well, good luck. :)

[BRMFUN]

Good luck!

[jaorton]

That's really good that there is a decent market out there for your set of skills.

[pheelay]

Only catching up with this thread now. Sorry to hear about this Mick. It's crazy the effect labour and discrimination laws have on company decision making. Great that the interviews are going well and ultimately, it sounds like you're heading for offers with companies that appreciate you and your skills more so it may all work out for the better in the end. Best of luck!

[stamford]

I have the interview this Monday afternoon with the Technical Director and Lead Design Engineer, apparently the latter is leaving next month and moving onto something different. Just heard from the agency manager and I am the only one being considered as they cannot find anyone with the skills and qualifications I have, so it is now mine to lose! So it looks like they need me more than I need them! So I can only go into it by being myself and take it as it comes. I already have a portfolio ready and to expect a 3D task to take on, a sort of test. I am actually looking forward to this :D

If all goes well then I will hopefully see out the remainder of my notice period and then straight into a new job and with the redundancy money in the bank!

I also have three other jobs in the pipeline with another interview booked.

[BRMFUN]

Looking good then, fingers crossed!

[Dan1971]

Got them eating out of the palm of your hands mate ... good for you.

[daytona365]

Well done, shows how much you are really wanted.....your old firms loss......

[grimmy]

Onwards and upwards Mick.I'm sure you will nail it

[stamford]

That was some interview, 4 hours later! Totally brain dead after that. Only just recovered this morning! Now today I am doing a little design exercise given to me then back again Weds afternoon. Hopefully then will we see where this is going. Still have another interview to go to so that could be interesting if the first one wants me.

[stamford]

Yesterday was the second interview which was another 2 3/4 hours which went well.

This morning I got the good news and was offered the job! :D Now waiting for the written offer to drop on the doormat. I just need to speak to the Technical Director to ensure he gives an honest and true reference and doesn't say anything stupid which he would be capable of!

Sitting here waiting for it to sink it.

Decent salary, paid overtime which is unusual, bonus scheme etc. Back in the automotive sector predominately robotic welding cells and automation, Design Engineering Manager. Extremely happy! :w00t:

[adam]

Congratulations!!

[ZS]

Congratulations Mick :) :smart:

[stamford]

Cheers!

Also got the okay from the Finance Director to be released early so I can start at the new company as they hoped I could start sooner to take control. At least the redundancy is not affected. Things are now falling into place.

[grimmy]

Congratulations Mick .new decent job and free money from the old place.worked out nicely.:smart:

[stamford]

It did in the end grimmy. But was prepared to rely on it if I had to, so it'll be used to pay off a few things and get a new front door and garage door! The bank may think my employer has screwed the wages up when that goes in!

The missus said treat yourself, its your hard earned money! I said hmmm nitrous! :laugh:

[Rockey5uk2001]

glad things worked out mate!

[talkingcars]

Pleased for you, not often it works out like that.

[Dan1971]

Chuffed for you. Well done.

I agree with SWMBO - Mk2?

[p_b82]

congratulations - really pleased that it has worked out in the end - the old adage of every cloud has a silver lining and all that.

as for the money - I'd either spend it on something I wasn't likely to ever spend it on otherwise that is a bit frivolous, or pay off other stuff that will enable the first option to be done at some other point down the line :)

either way nice position to be in, back in a field you prefer, with a better wage and package with bonus money in the back as a result of changing job!

[BRMFUN]

Well done.... Yes buy another ZS :)

[6282tom]

Congrats Mick, great news. Happy end to the saga!

[petet16]

Congratulations, as the saying goes, one door closes, another opens :thumbsup:

[LukeZS96]

Only caught up on this thread, congratulations on the new job

[jc600]

Well done mate. :D

[peterzs]

good news, quality will shine through.

Still a relief to know that the spondodall will still be there each month.

Bet you will sleep better now!!!!

:yay::yay::yay:

[stamford]

Now it's sinking in! I can have a short holiday now and relax! I've been sent a copy of my contract already by email and a nice email it was too! One more day at work and then off until the 1st Sept, I need it.

[peterzs]

we still going to Empress of Blandings???

Something to celebrate now!!

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[stamford]

Yes! My mind has been elsewhere, ought to get a date in the diary.

[Maxfly]

Ach that's fantastic, well done! Glad it is all falling into place for you, now enjoy the time and money you have :)

[pheelay]

Fantastic news. Congratulations Mick! Enjoy the break!

[stamford]

I'll enjoy the break if..............I can get the Discovery's brakes fixed. On the way into work I had a gradual noise develop. Front pads could be worn inside where I can't see them. Outside look okay but I am towing the caravan tomorrow! So looks like I will be up against it now, half day looming I think! I'm pretty much skint after paying out for the front wheel bearing!

[Rockey5uk2001]

I'll enjoy the break if..............I can get the Discovery's brakes fixed. On the way into work I had a gradual noise develop. Front pads could be worn inside where I can't see them. Outside look okay but I am towing the caravan tomorrow! So looks like I will be up against it now, half day looming I think! I'm pretty much skint after paying out for the front wheel bearing!

best of luck mate!

[LozMachine]

Pleased to read it's all looking up for ya.

[stamford]

Disco sorted, managed to get some pads from the local motor factor. All stripped and rebuilt in 55 mins including stripping a caliper as it was partially seized hence the noise, the pads were tapered with wear, 3mm elsewhere!

So now tomorrow I can hitch up the caravan and enjoy a few days away with the good lady, no kids, no dogs ;)

Just need to stock the fridge with bacon, eggs and beer! :D

[LozMachine]

Won't let me pm,... Sad, very sad.....

[stamford]

Won't let me pm,... Sad, very sad.....

Hit your limit then?

[stamford]

Currently working the last few days and what a complete struggle it is! :yawn:

I cannot remember the last time I was this lethargic at work! Got 2 days this week and 4 and abit days next week, cannot wait to leave and start my new role.

[talkingcars]

Don't do anything stupid, my mate broken into part of the computer system on his last afternoon and got escorted off the site by security.

My first boss walked out 4 days before he got what would have been worth £15k or more today as he couldn't stand the atmosphere.

[stamford]

Don't worry I'm just ticking off the days and doing what I can to fill the time. I have no interest in messing things up, they have already done that themselves by letting me go! I'm not the vindictive type.

[stamford]

2.5 days to go! God I am so bored! I was asked to do the engineering audit before I go, was hoping to avoid it but thought it'll kill some time! However late yesterday and still this morning we have no access to the company server. So I can't update the stock spreadsheets! Good job I bought a copy of Land Rover Owner International last night! :D

Also pleased to be leaving as there was a job taken on by our Slovakian plant then subbed out to our factory in India and looks like they have screwed it up. 40 odd castor rolls have been welded and machined with the wrong hardfacing material on the journals. Sounds like this is going to cost them dearly as the customer is spitting bullets. Not good.

[peterzs]

One thing I have found in life, is that never, ever, bad mouth or do anything nasty to anyone.

The world is so small, and especially if your work is a of a specialist nature, you are bound to cross paths with people you have known.

You never know if your life will turn on the way you have treated someone from your past.

So no matter what, if I left a job, I'd go out, thanking the boss for the time I'd been there, give everyone a smile and a handshake. What you actually think of them, is up to you and kept to yourself!!!!

Stick with it, finish all the projects you can, leave it ready to have a smooth handover and just thank God you have managed to get out.

Never ever leave with a closed door, just in case!!!!

Good luck and keep counting the hours.

:happy2::happy2::happy2:

[stamford]

I've already been told I am welcome back when the works picks up etc. I don't burn my bridges like you said you never know. I shall be leaving on good terms and have already given my boss a comprehensive handover document which he is pleased with. He was half expecting me to say a few things but I said no that's not me.

[peterzs]

Best way, glad its all ending well, or, as well as it can.

[stamford]

Well things have not been so good lately. The new job wasn't as good as it came across. I had to leave as couldn't work with the owner and his management style, clash of ideals. Plus the anal way they managed projects just didn't work for me. So been sitting here for nearly 2 weeks with no work and finding it hard to find anything anywhere even contract work! If I was still working and had that interview I wouldn't have taken the offer, so as I was redundant it was more convenient than an ideal opportunity.

At some point things will be sacrificed to pay the bills. So be prepared for the zed to be sold or broken if nothing positive comes up. Even prepared to sell the Discovery, not happy but needs must etc. So poor stamford is at a low point at this time :sad:

Might even move away from engineering as lost the love for it. No idea what to do, need a decent salary to live. Generally fed up and disillusioned with life and recruitment agencies!

[peterzs]

Shame it didnt work out.

One of my first jobs was at Plessey Poole, but did three months at Portsmouth, they still there??

Got to keep plugging away and believe in yourself, you have the skills and the knowledge, just finding a company that will appreciate it.

Tighten the belt a bit, and keep positive. Any of those on-line job finding sites any good??

Something will turn up, good luck with it.

:wave::wave::wave:

[Rockey5uk2001]

keep that chin up mate!

All the best.

If interested I have a point of contact for BAE on Portsmouth I can see if they have anything..

[stamford]

Cheers guys.

I'm registered with just about every job site, some better than others.

With regards BAE my aerospace knowledge is probably obsolete now as not done that for years. However no harm in asking.

Annoying thing is I have had a few enquiries which ended up being the job I just left!

[6282tom]

Often the way with recruitment agencies, you have to go through a lot of s*** before you find a decent opportunity.

They are the only way we recruit at my place these days as if we put an ad on our website we'll get 100s of applications and the management don't want to sift through that many CVs.

Keep at it mate the opportunities will come around!

[grimmy]

That sucks Mick .shame it didn't work out but I'm sure something will turn up for you.I am now living with the threat as well.1100 posts are up for the chop in my place and I am bricking it.

[stamford]

As the days roll by I am thinking how am I going to pay those bills? I think the job centre beckons and try and find something short term to pay my way. I don't want to start selling stuff but there comes a time when you have no choice. This time around it seems harder to find something.

[Supercharged_Z]

ah ****** thats a shame Mick,

Its not the best time to be hunting for jobs, do you mind me asking what exactly you did?

I have been there btw, at this time of the year too and i know how ***** it is, its real headf*** and you end up feeling a bit like you say which is not nice.

have you had a poke around any of the competitors to your old job?

Ross

[stamford]

There isn't much to be had with regards competition being the steel industry Ross. My background is mechanical engineering, time served toolmaker by trade but been doing design engineering (3D) for many years with project management and head of engineering in recent years. Specialist areas being special purpose machinery, process automation, nuclear robotics, marine, motorsport as well, so crossed many areas. Looking to change if it pays, one of my girls did mention the possibility of being an estimator for a car bodyshop which I won't discount at this time.

[Rockey5uk2001]

Get in touch with Portsmouth dock yard, loads.of jobs suitable for you there .

[Dan1971]

Sorry to hear Mick.

An estimator seems like a different direction for you. Does your daughter have knowledge of a vacancy somewhere then?

[stamford]

Get in touch with Portsmouth dock yard, loads.of jobs suitable for you there .

Will have a look.

Sorry to hear Mick.

An estimator seems like a different direction for you. Does your daughter have knowledge of a vacancy somewhere then?

Gina works in a bodyshop and said they need an estimator. I said I can do that, how hard can it be? Waiting for a call to see if there is any possibility.

[peterzs]

Good luck.

:wave::wave::wave:

[Maxfly]

sorry to hear this Mick, all the best finding something that suits be that a change or a job you know. Not easy when things go downhill and sometimes you find a job you love doing but just cant meet the bills. Hope it doesn't come to that for you, got to keep the zed and the disco safe.

[Dan1971]

Fingers crossed for you then mate.

[mattyprice4004]

Again, good luck mate. :)

[p_b82]

Sorry to hear after what appeared to be something positive.

hope it all gets sorted out asap!

[sneekyparrot]

Will have a look.



Gina works in a bodyshop and said they need an estimator. I said I can do that, how hard can it be? Waiting for a call to see if there is any possibility.

fingers crossed for you Mick :-)

P.

[daytona365]

Fingers and toes crossed............even the Zed is thinking of you...