If things get tougher?

mumoftwo

ceridwen wrote: »

EDIT: I have just tried looking and come up with conflicting opinions on this - the only thing of note so far was a suggestion to someone in the same position to resign and sue their employer for "constructive dismissal" (ie making it impossible for them to continue in the job) - so thats a possibility and the route I would probably follow myself (having got the employers orders to cut my hours down in writing first - to prove they were doing this).

You could google the T.U.C. website and look under the section on workers rights and see if they cover this.

Thanks for the info, the problem is his company is subsidised by the council. The Union is involved already. As far as I know it is in the early stages and it was a suggestion, that if not enough orders came in, they would decide week by week if you get a 5 day or a 3/4 day week. It all seems weird to me and we can't even claim more tax credit because he won't know what hours he will be working. Going to google TUC now,

Caterina

You know, people, I just have to say this, I love you all, you are my sisters and brothers, it is so good to come to this forum and find so many like-minded people!

(((((((((((((((((((((((((GROUP HUG)))))))))))))))))))))))))

Caterina

gairlochgal

Great thread.

I totally agree about our children's futures. Mine are still little (8 and 10) and I was just saying to a work colleague yesterday how they have started life in a very affluent period which they have been able to take for granted, and now things are closing in on us and may become really hard.

However, I have been talking to them about the way things are going - it's a journey we're on together as a family. I have never encouraged them to write christmas lists or go through the argos catalogue as some of their friends do, and it is bearing fruit now as when they do ask for things they are sensible. eg they wanted the wii fit game earlier this year and I showed them how people were paying crazy prices to get it on amazon the first week it was out. We just used the stock checking tool at argos and got it at its recommended price within the first couple of weeks. Still an expensive toy, I know, but I want to teach them not to develop that whole "must have it now" habit that has been a feature of recent years.

DD1's birthday is coming up and she's getting one expensive present (skates), a big stack of secondhand books, and she has asked me to request a bike on freecycle. She's quite happy to get a secondhand bike as and when one comes up.

fletch3163

mumoftwo I'm sorry to hear about your husband's possible downturn. He's lucky he's got a union to take up the cause, it's a minefield trying to find out what's right and wrong in these situations. What sector is he in?

My work (financial services) announced redundancies for some yesterday and paycuts for the rest of us. Obviously they had to "ask" us to take paycuts but as I see it I'd rather have 90% of something than 100% of nothing.

I think more and more of us will be directly or indirectly affected by this global downturn in fortune. So far I think a lot of people think only those in debt will be affected but that's not true. Anyone who uses money for anything is affected unfortunately.

I've read this thread from the start and I think someone should tell the world that it's here. As a (now) ex smoker and ex drinker, PLUS this thread, I feel reasonably confident I can weather this change in fortune.

fletch3163

Oh, and that was my three-hundredth post. My goodness I read more than I say on here. Note to self..............

painted_lady

Happytails - I sold a £450 pram (I didnt pay that for it) for £16 on ebay just because i needed rid of it. The best push chair we have used was £4 at a car boot sale, it fold easily and quickly and had a big and strong shopping tray, think of the practicalities.
They should give you bounty packs in hospital when you have the baby, they are different to the ones you have now, I got free full size washing poweders, fabric softeners, wipes etc and vouchers.
It might be cheaper to use washable nappies when things have settled down a bit? I used them since 4 months old and it saved me a fortune. Again look on ebay for cheap ones, mine are cotton bottoms (tommee tippee), people might be getting rid of them on freecycle too.
Also remember there are a lot of products for babies you dont actually need, such as moses baskets, there is nothing wrong with using cots from day 1.
Can you write a list and when people ask what they can get, give them the list? Include small things like plastic baby spoons, then everyone is included.

happytails

It might be cheaper to use washable nappies when things have settled down a bit? I used them since 4 months old and it saved me a fortune. Again look on ebay for cheap ones, mine are cotton bottoms (tommee tippee), people might be getting rid of them on freecycle too. - Painted Lady

My dp wont do re-usable - i tried, showed him the benefits and money saving but nope, not interested and since he is paying for the nappies i have to do with disposables! :mad:

Im breastfeeding though so thats FREE :T

Sarah xxx

ceridwen

fletch3163 wrote: »

mumoftwo I'm sorry to hear about your husband's possible downturn. He's lucky he's got a union to take up the cause, it's a minefield trying to find out what's right and wrong in these situations. What sector is he in?

My work (financial services) announced redundancies for some yesterday and paycuts for the rest of us. Obviously they had to "ask" us to take paycuts but as I see it I'd rather have 90% of something than 100% of nothing.

I think more and more of us will be directly or indirectly affected by this global downturn in fortune. So far I think a lot of people think only those in debt will be affected but that's not true. Anyone who uses money for anything is affected unfortunately.

I've read this thread from the start and I think someone should tell the world that it's here. As a (now) ex smoker and ex drinker, PLUS this thread, I feel reasonably confident I can weather this change in fortune.

I'm sorry to hear your job news as well - even if it wasnt for the Price Rises going on now. I guess its up to each individual person - based on their circumstances - to decide what to do if an employer demands "paycuts or else". I think I'll just go off and count my blessings that I could turn round instantly and say "Okay - or else it is - I'll get my coat - now hand over the Redundancy/Early Retirement". I do hope that paycuts like this arent going to become common - as I know a lot of people would feel they had to make the same decision as you and then have the hassle of jobhunting to try and "get back to normal". I would be interested to see whether those in charge of the firm are taking the same level of paycut;) :cool:

We certainly are facing a Triple Whammy right now: Greedy Bankers, Peak Oil and massive overpopulation (both worldwide on the one hand and I read a while back that Britain "should" have 30 million people - so we have more than twice as many people as we can handle).

elona

Have just taken DD( nearly 15) shopping for a warm winter coat and some boots- just got back with some thing she really likes that is also suitable for her.

Thought about suggesting take away fish and chips but switched on the Remoska instead and making home made quorn bolognese with potato wedges for those who don't like spaghetti.

DD needs the Romeo and Juliet dvd so did some searching and found one for £3.99 on play.com with free postage.

I feel really virtuous now.

Already have windup torches hidden away and if DH is out of the way one day next week might buy the old oil lamp I saw in the charity shop, look for wicks etc and hide it away.

mardatha

In all the jobs I've had and my OH as well, they can certainly cut your hours whenever they like. Hidden somewhere in tiny print in your contract of employment will be a wee paragraph saying they have the right to adjust hours as "production requirements dictate". Or similar language. ANd if the unions protest then they threaten them with job losses...