Hello there! Sorry about no post yesterday. I was absolutely shattered after my first day back to work. I was ill all last week and was away from work altogether. I suffered a terrible case of Folliculitis on my groin area (the stupidest infection I've ever heard of!). The pain was absolutely debilitating and I was prescribed antibiotics. I've only been at my new job for a few months and the company doesn't pay Company Sick Pay until an employee has worked with them for at least six months. Obviously Statutory Sick Pay still applies for 4 days or more of sickness.
I work for a Call Centre in Brighton and needless to say, it is full of middle management and power hungry men in ties. I was in constant telephone communication with my supervisor and just before my second doctor's visit, I asked him if he wanted me to get a note. He advised me that I wouldn't need one because it was not more than 7 days of sickness. Upon my return (on the 8th day), I was advised by my manager that I would need a note from the Doctor for Statutory Sick Pay. I agreed to get one and found myself back at the Walk-In Centre where I saw the doctor. I was then informed by the helpful reception that they do not give sick notes to non-registered patients, but more importantly that the law says that employers can't ask for doctor's notes unless the employee has been sick 8 days or more. Hmph. So off I went, absolutely shattered, back home for the day (thus no blog post).
Today was an 8-hour long tiff with my supervisor over my rights, SSP, and Human Resources. The Human Resources department went on about how they need proof that I was sick in case they are audited. I advised them that according to the NHS Health Centre, because it is 7 days or less, I don't need proof. Until about 4:30PM today, when I threatened to call HM Revenues and Customs myself, I finally got somewhere. My supervisor called the Head of Accounts who shamed him and HR "for asking me to get a note for audit/accounts purposes". Then my supervisor Googled my rights as a worker and found out that, indeed, an employer cannot ask for proof of sickness for less than 8 days off sick. So THERE! I can't believe how long it took to come to this resolution. Because I am not registered with a GP in Brighton, they even went so far as to ask me to register with a new GP, ask them to look at my previous notes, and to write me a retrospective note!! Honestly!
Anyway, the point of this is that although I handled the situation in a mature, friendly, and courteous manner; I was absolutely fuming! As workers, you should all know your rights and when to put your foot down. I can't believe this company policy has been in existence for decades without someone standing up to it. My other half, who is English, told me when I got home today that he has noticed a difference between the ethics in the Canadian and British non-skilled workforces. He said that in England, non-skilled workers tend to do as they're told more without asking as many questions. I don't know if his observations are true or not (comment your opinions below!), but if they are, that definitely needs to change!
The company now has to re-write it's absence policy - a policy that has been constantly stressed to me as the strictest of its kind and built on a strong company blah blah blah... Basically, their absence policy was their pride and joy, and I've quashed it! I'm so proud ^_^ The moral of the story? If you believe something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Recession or not, you have your rights and don't be afraid to use them and benefit from them. To accurately, calmly, and rationally explain your feelings is the best way. Mine went something like, "I understand the concerns of the company. I understand that SSP is based on government funds and the company is worried about being audited and is worried about having proof that I was sick in order to justify using that government funding; however, I am not interested in the theoretical worries or preferences of the company. I am interested in the law."
One of the biggest problems, and greatest assets, in call centres is their policy of "hiring from within". It means everyone in higher departments has started from the bottom - which, in theory, is good; but if those people aren't given adequate training and education, you've got a bunch of warranty sales people running the HR department. Not so good! On top of that, there is a strong feeling of a company hierarchy. Middle management "professionals" are constantly trying to milk every ounce of power they can get. I have a feeling that the people in the HR department were just trying to give me a hard time because, after all, what makes me think I can get paid for being sick without proving it? I guess they showed me... oh wait, I showed them.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Monday, 8 February 2010
Snowing in Brighton
Yes, it's snowing again. So far nothing is sticking, but as I peer through our net curtains, I reflect back on last year's debacle.
After living through the last snow storm in Brighton late last year, I have come to realise the brutal truth about the way in which this city operates when faced with the white stuff: stop everything. Shut it down, close the doors, lock up, go home. Okay, I realise that snow is not a regular occurrence in England ... or at least it hasn't been for years. But what I've learned about the way the local government looks at the situation is truly shocking. There is a mentality of negligence to avoid charges of negligence. Does that make sense? I thought not.
Apparently, the city looks the other way when it comes to roads that aren't necessary to salt, grit, and plow. Yes, I've heard that there are the resources and there is the ability, but not the will. Since we live in a sue-each-other society, it is alleged that city councils risk being sued if they clear a walkway and someone slips on it later. That would be "negligence" on the part of the council. So what is their answer? Don't touch it. Move on. Look away. If they don't touch it, they can't be negligent. So negligence solves that problem. Job done!
Buses. Brighton & Hove buses were ordered by the police not to run. The decision was made to reduce traffic. Yeah, that'll work. Now all those bus commuters are in their cars. Just dandy. When the buses do run, they run with all-season tyres without chains or any sort of winter protection. One commuter bus had chains but later put a notice on the website saying, "We have found out they snap on clear roads." First of all, no they don't. Second of all, they do if you're speeding.
Since it looks like this is going to be a regular occurrence in the UK from now on (something to do with climate change and so on), I thought I'd compile a list of 5 helpful tips for surviving heavy snow, even if you can't gain access to a hot Double Double for comfort.
1) If you're a driver, always always always have a set of winter tyres that can be fitted around November. Alternatively, and this is my personal choice, purchase chains that properly fit your car's tyres. It's an investment, but it's so important, and it'll literally dig you out of a mess. Once you get the hang of it, they take about five minutes to put on and about a second to take off. Plus it'll make you feel like you're driving a military tank. Mine cost me $75 in Canada which is about 40 quid.
2) Also for drivers, drive slooooowly. I can't stress it enough. All over the news there are cars being pushed out of the snow with tyres spinning a hundred times per second. Slow is the key. You want to give those tyres some time to get a grip on the stuff. If the speed limit is 30, go 8 or 10. If the speed limit is 70 on a semi-cleared motorway, go 25. Seriously. You can feel when you're pushing it to the limit and when you get to that moment, slow down by taking your foot off the gas pedal. Don't brake. You should have enough room in front of you to just take your foot off the gas pedal, push in the clutch, and your car should stop where it needs to. You might have to just slightly apply the brake to stop completely. If you brake on snow, your tyres will lose traction and your car is likely to go sideways. That is cool when you're in the Batmobile, but not so cool in your Ford Focus.
3) If you're a walker, get some proper footwear. Wellington boots will do, but snow boots are even better because they protect against the cold as well as moisture (none of this Uggs stuff). Alternatively, you could buy some Yaktrax. Chains for your feet! Woo hoo! If you don't have winter footwear, a good old Canadian tip is to put a plastic bag around your feet after your socks are on (several socks). That'll keep the moisture out and your multiple layers of socks will keep you warm.
3) Be a good neighbour! I know we like to go from our little private houses into our little private cars and go on our merry little way, but when something happens that we're not used to, we should be helping each other out! Smile, say hello to people, ask if they need a hand. You'd want them to help you if you needed it, wouldn't you? In Canada, it's actually illegal not to shovel the walkway in front of your property. It's not the city's job at all. If you have an elderly neighbour who can't physically do it themselves, you have to team with your neighbours to shovel their walkway too. If you have the time and the physicality, do you really need a law to tell you? We're not useless, we don't need the city to do it for us. "Gedd'r Done!"
4) Predicting the weather. Big snow flakes means its warmer; small snowflakes means it's colder. If the flakes are small, don't go out. If they're big, it might stop soon... unless of course they get smaller again. ;)
5) Stay inside. Work is really not that important (unless of course you're desperate for that day's pay). Stay home if it's dangerous. Don't get yourself to the train station only to find the trains aren't running and you can't get back home. Have yourself a cup of tea and wait until it's safe. Don't be a hero. Remember the Batmobile? You don't have one!
And finally ... enjoy it! Sit down with your family or friends or neighbours, cosy up in some handmade Folksy stuff, make a cup of hot cocoa (1 tsp cocoa, 1 tsp sugar, a little cold water, mix into paste, pour hot water/milk, stir), have a roast, take some photos of the scenery, make snow angels and igloos, and have fun! It only happens once a year, right?
After living through the last snow storm in Brighton late last year, I have come to realise the brutal truth about the way in which this city operates when faced with the white stuff: stop everything. Shut it down, close the doors, lock up, go home. Okay, I realise that snow is not a regular occurrence in England ... or at least it hasn't been for years. But what I've learned about the way the local government looks at the situation is truly shocking. There is a mentality of negligence to avoid charges of negligence. Does that make sense? I thought not.
Apparently, the city looks the other way when it comes to roads that aren't necessary to salt, grit, and plow. Yes, I've heard that there are the resources and there is the ability, but not the will. Since we live in a sue-each-other society, it is alleged that city councils risk being sued if they clear a walkway and someone slips on it later. That would be "negligence" on the part of the council. So what is their answer? Don't touch it. Move on. Look away. If they don't touch it, they can't be negligent. So negligence solves that problem. Job done!
Buses. Brighton & Hove buses were ordered by the police not to run. The decision was made to reduce traffic. Yeah, that'll work. Now all those bus commuters are in their cars. Just dandy. When the buses do run, they run with all-season tyres without chains or any sort of winter protection. One commuter bus had chains but later put a notice on the website saying, "We have found out they snap on clear roads." First of all, no they don't. Second of all, they do if you're speeding.
Since it looks like this is going to be a regular occurrence in the UK from now on (something to do with climate change and so on), I thought I'd compile a list of 5 helpful tips for surviving heavy snow, even if you can't gain access to a hot Double Double for comfort.
1) If you're a driver, always always always have a set of winter tyres that can be fitted around November. Alternatively, and this is my personal choice, purchase chains that properly fit your car's tyres. It's an investment, but it's so important, and it'll literally dig you out of a mess. Once you get the hang of it, they take about five minutes to put on and about a second to take off. Plus it'll make you feel like you're driving a military tank. Mine cost me $75 in Canada which is about 40 quid.
2) Also for drivers, drive slooooowly. I can't stress it enough. All over the news there are cars being pushed out of the snow with tyres spinning a hundred times per second. Slow is the key. You want to give those tyres some time to get a grip on the stuff. If the speed limit is 30, go 8 or 10. If the speed limit is 70 on a semi-cleared motorway, go 25. Seriously. You can feel when you're pushing it to the limit and when you get to that moment, slow down by taking your foot off the gas pedal. Don't brake. You should have enough room in front of you to just take your foot off the gas pedal, push in the clutch, and your car should stop where it needs to. You might have to just slightly apply the brake to stop completely. If you brake on snow, your tyres will lose traction and your car is likely to go sideways. That is cool when you're in the Batmobile, but not so cool in your Ford Focus.
3) If you're a walker, get some proper footwear. Wellington boots will do, but snow boots are even better because they protect against the cold as well as moisture (none of this Uggs stuff). Alternatively, you could buy some Yaktrax. Chains for your feet! Woo hoo! If you don't have winter footwear, a good old Canadian tip is to put a plastic bag around your feet after your socks are on (several socks). That'll keep the moisture out and your multiple layers of socks will keep you warm.
3) Be a good neighbour! I know we like to go from our little private houses into our little private cars and go on our merry little way, but when something happens that we're not used to, we should be helping each other out! Smile, say hello to people, ask if they need a hand. You'd want them to help you if you needed it, wouldn't you? In Canada, it's actually illegal not to shovel the walkway in front of your property. It's not the city's job at all. If you have an elderly neighbour who can't physically do it themselves, you have to team with your neighbours to shovel their walkway too. If you have the time and the physicality, do you really need a law to tell you? We're not useless, we don't need the city to do it for us. "Gedd'r Done!"
4) Predicting the weather. Big snow flakes means its warmer; small snowflakes means it's colder. If the flakes are small, don't go out. If they're big, it might stop soon... unless of course they get smaller again. ;)
5) Stay inside. Work is really not that important (unless of course you're desperate for that day's pay). Stay home if it's dangerous. Don't get yourself to the train station only to find the trains aren't running and you can't get back home. Have yourself a cup of tea and wait until it's safe. Don't be a hero. Remember the Batmobile? You don't have one!
And finally ... enjoy it! Sit down with your family or friends or neighbours, cosy up in some handmade Folksy stuff, make a cup of hot cocoa (1 tsp cocoa, 1 tsp sugar, a little cold water, mix into paste, pour hot water/milk, stir), have a roast, take some photos of the scenery, make snow angels and igloos, and have fun! It only happens once a year, right?
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Finding a niche
Finding a niche is so important in the vast crafting world. It's something I've yet to do, but I recently came across someone who does. Holandricon has a shop on Folksy selling knitted headphone earmuffs. Yes, you read correctly. Headphones and earmuffs built into one. What a fantastic idea! Ever tried to wear ear buds underneath earmuffs? I don't know why I never thought of it before.
One thing I've noticed about the Brits is that even when it's cold out, style never gets thrown out the window. No long johns and down-filled parkas for you lot. I think these headphones are a testament to that!
Now to find my own niche. Knitted snow shoe covers? ...no...
One thing I've noticed about the Brits is that even when it's cold out, style never gets thrown out the window. No long johns and down-filled parkas for you lot. I think these headphones are a testament to that!
Now to find my own niche. Knitted snow shoe covers? ...no...
Saturday, 6 February 2010
So what is a Double Double?
Delicious, creamy, sweet, and a bit earthy, a Double Double is the Canadian term for a coffee with two creams and two sugars. Specifically, it's a coffee from Tim Horton's. You could say that ol' Timmy's is much like a Greggs ... except with a drive-through window. It's a Canadian fast-food chain established by Tim Horton, a hockey player (I know, could we be any more stereotypical?). There you will find sandwiches made from the softest, sweetest hoagies (a type of bun, cob, roll, bap); scrumptious soups that come in a warmed, edible bread bowl; freshly baked doughnuts and timbits (doughnut holes); a zillion types of bagels with a zillion types of cream cheese; and of course, Tim Horton's coffee and tea. So if you want a good coffee, the Double Double is probably the most popular. Don't want so much sugar? You're looking for a Double Single. Rather have milk than cream? You're looking for a Double Milk Double. You could even go for a Triple Triple but that's just greedy. On my routine, I'd usually ask for a medium double double and a 12-grain bagel with herb and garlic cream cheese. Mmmmm.
So why am I going on about Double Doubles, hoagie buns, and some guy named Tim? Although it's a franchise, Tim Horton's is a born and bred Canadian food company and there isn't one Canadian that you will meet that doesn't know and love it. The lingo used in ordering one's food is almost like a right-of-passage. It's so defining that I thought it would be appropriate to include it in the title of this blog; because there is nothing more soothing than Crafting with a Double Double.
So why am I going on about Double Doubles, hoagie buns, and some guy named Tim? Although it's a franchise, Tim Horton's is a born and bred Canadian food company and there isn't one Canadian that you will meet that doesn't know and love it. The lingo used in ordering one's food is almost like a right-of-passage. It's so defining that I thought it would be appropriate to include it in the title of this blog; because there is nothing more soothing than Crafting with a Double Double.
Friday, 5 February 2010
What's it all about?
Hello world! This is my first blog post (hooray!). I'd like to introduce myself, tell you what I'm doing here, and just get started!
My name is Jessie and I have a shop on Folksy called Wool & Wire. In this shop, I sell pieces that I've knit or made with wire. I usually make all kinds of practical accessories but on the odd occasion I will add something a little more frivolous. I've been knitting and making wire jewellery for years but I'm finally starting to take my hobby a little more seriously. Originally from Vancouver Island, Canada, I'm now living with my other half in Brighton, England.
The crafting and artisan community in the UK is absolutely ginormous. I'd really like to get involved and learn about different arts, and I'd like to stay in touch with anyone who is interested. With modern technology, we can all stalk - I mean "follow" - each other at our own convenience. For me, a blog seemed like a good way to start! My aim is to make this an entertaining read about my life in England. There are tonnes of curious and funny things that happen to me on a daily basis as a foreigner in this country. I'll make fun of some things and ask for your help on others. Of course, I'll stick a craft or two in between.
For now, feel free to follow (or stalk, whatever term you prefer) me on Twitter by clicking on the link on the right-hand side of the page. You can e-mail me at woolandwire@googlemail.com if you want to get in touch. Also, feel free to leave comments on this blog - all feedback is much appreciated!
My name is Jessie and I have a shop on Folksy called Wool & Wire. In this shop, I sell pieces that I've knit or made with wire. I usually make all kinds of practical accessories but on the odd occasion I will add something a little more frivolous. I've been knitting and making wire jewellery for years but I'm finally starting to take my hobby a little more seriously. Originally from Vancouver Island, Canada, I'm now living with my other half in Brighton, England.
The crafting and artisan community in the UK is absolutely ginormous. I'd really like to get involved and learn about different arts, and I'd like to stay in touch with anyone who is interested. With modern technology, we can all stalk - I mean "follow" - each other at our own convenience. For me, a blog seemed like a good way to start! My aim is to make this an entertaining read about my life in England. There are tonnes of curious and funny things that happen to me on a daily basis as a foreigner in this country. I'll make fun of some things and ask for your help on others. Of course, I'll stick a craft or two in between.
For now, feel free to follow (or stalk, whatever term you prefer) me on Twitter by clicking on the link on the right-hand side of the page. You can e-mail me at woolandwire@googlemail.com if you want to get in touch. Also, feel free to leave comments on this blog - all feedback is much appreciated!
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