Things can only get better

Cherryfudge

Sun_Addict said:

Work wise, I've been thinking for some time about going for a role a grade higher and around £7k a year extra dosh. I haven't actually done much about it apart from see what roles are available and there have been a few recently doing exactly what I do now just at a higher grade. I mentioned it to a colleague and she's mentioned it to someone else and all of a sudden I've been asked to project manage something that will help with my job applications. It actually sounds quite interesting so will find out more first before I commit to anything. Part of me can't be bothered but then another part of me is thinking of the extra money and it would increase my pension because it's salary based. Plus I know I have the capabilities and the job I have right now I can do with my eyes closed.

That sounds exciting! It might just have your name on it.

Sun_Addict

Cherryfudge said:

Sun_Addict said:

Morning all, happy hump day

Yes that was a close shave with the Covid case. I'm in the office tomorrow so feel like I'm going into the lion's den. It does seem pointless when I can do my job just as effectively, if not more so, from home and there is no business need for me to physically be in the office.

Unless you're a self employed contractor, you may be able to plead section 44 of the Employment Act: it's to do with safety at work and the fact your colleague was in work and tested positive could be an indication your employer's precautions against Covid aren't adequate (for instance requiring a negative test before coming in): Section44 – Employment Rights Act 1996 – the secret to getting safe working conditions in the UK

I'm not an expert but have been pointed to that for a different issue and can see from Google that there have been questions raised under it regarding Covid safety.

They've already been in negotiations with health & safety and trade unions over the latest batch of cases and it's been confirmed they are following government guidelines, although to be honest I think if cases start creeping up it will be back to full time WFH. It's a very large public sector department and they will have done everything possible to stick to the rules. They don't ask for a negative test as they're still insisting on social distancing and mask wearing. In the other cases reported no one else caught Covid so they are confident what they're doing is working. Time will tell if anything comes of this latest case. I just hope the individual concerned didn't come into work knowing they were unwell. 

Sun_Addict

satchmo1 said:

You'll demonstrate your capabilities with managing the project, and be a shoe-in for the higher grade.

My advice, when you are promoted, is to immediately put all of the salary increase into your pension via AVC (additional voluntary contributions). It's a tax effective way to boost your pension, and by doing it right away you won't miss the dosh.

I was thinking of increasing my contributions anyway as we get another pay rise next year and I was thinking of earmarking the extra for pension. We can buy added pension or open an AVC with the outsourced provider the scheme uses. 

Of course with the promotion I'll need to apply for new roles as ones come up that suit me. The project management role is just a voluntary one - a development opportunity. I won't apply for anything just to secure promotion, it must be something I'll enjoy. I know quite a few people who just grade chase and end up in roles they hate and have no interest in.

Sun_Addict

In other news, Mr SA got stuck on a hill on his scooter again and had to be pushed up. This is actually a courtesy scooter. He rang the scooter shop and they're bringing his old scooter back this afternoon and checking the charger. They did say it might be the damp or cold overnight affecting it.

Mr SA is doing my head in today, he's got all his coats, shoes and bags out. I wouldn't mind but he never puts them away again.

Onebrokelady

What is it with these slimming clubs changing the plan all the time. If it worked before why change it 🤷‍♀️ 
I think covid cases are creeping up everywhere and we are heading back to the same as it was last year if Bojo doesn't get his act together 

milann

Hope you find the right role for you SA which includes a nice pay rise. 

There seems to be more covid around than ever atm. It’s quite scary….I was watching Prof Van Dam this morning on tv - he talks a lot of sense.

Seasidegal58

Echoing @satchmo1's post on topping up your pension. It's a no-brainer really if you have any spare cash left from your salary after budgeting - the tax breaks alone make it worthwhile. I did this into my workplace DCB scheme during the last few years running up to retirement and it certainly made a difference. 

Is Mr SA sorting out his winter wardrobe?  At least he shouldn't be asking for anything new - he must have tons of coats, bags and shoes already!😱

Sun_Addict

Mr SA has never got enough stuff @Seasidegal58, he can always find something he wants. 

My red wine advent calendar arrived today 🍷 Obviously I won’t start opening it yet 😆

My work friend messaged me to check we are still on for a catch up next Friday. I thought she might cancel as her mum isn’t very good at the moment but it’s all still on. Really looking forward to it. She lives a fair distance from me so I’ll have an hour’s bus ride each way, plus the journey from my house to the city centre, but worth it for an afternoon of putting the world to rights over a few glasses of Prosecco. I could never ask anyone here as Mr SA would totally ruin it. It will be good to get out and about and I’ll have time for a coffee and browse around the shops before the bus leaves. 

I’ve got 2 meetings lined up about the project lead opportunity. As I said, this won’t be a promotion but will be something to put on my CV. My employers are very keen to support you if you want to progress. 

Just 2 more work get ups and I’m done for a week. 9 days if I count the weekends 🥳

beanielou

Go for it girl 

Seasidegal58

It's nice to have a day out seeing friends to look forward to. 😃. Will you do some Christmas shopping mooching too?

I hope the project meetings go well. 👍