Career Break Advice

[stevo302]

Unfortunately, it's gotten to the stage where I can't take this job anymore. It really has gone down the toilet.

What was once a clock in clock out job with no stress has turned into a day by day brawl with managers/union reps over the lapsing of duties. Managers watching your every move. Crying and pressuring you because they're hiding the fact things don't work to their own managers. Ringing you up every day when sick. Expecting everything, returning nothing.

We've just been told our sub office will be turning into CDV's by the end of the year, and that will be the last straw for myself. However, it would be nice to look into other options and have a job to go back to if things don't work out.

So, for those with experience, I'd like to know a few things.

1) The agreement states you're eligible if you have a good record. However, to what extent can they block you taking a break? If there doesn't have to be a reason, I may as well kiss the idea goodbye.
2) On return, are you back to being a floater? Do you lose seniority?
3) In general, what is anyone's experience with this. Was it worth it, or did it cause problems later on. What will I be getting myself into etc.

Cheers

[ebbzie]

You start at 6? finish at2? why are you getting stressed with whats inbetween? Do your job at by the book and theres absolutely no stress
Lapsing , no chance , overtime , no thanks . Let the bullying DIMS deal with uncovered walks .

[stevo302]

You start at 6? finish at2? why are you getting stressed with whats inbetween? Do your job at by the book and theres absolutely no stress
Lapsing , no chance , overtime , no thanks . Let the bullying DIMS deal with uncovered walks .

Oh, if only that were true. We had those times at one point or another.

Now our start times have shifted to 8-4 in the blink of an eye.

Saying stick to the rules is fine on paper. Dealing with it in the real world is stressful.

[Stella102]

we have the same thing in our office, you either complete or they make you start later and have it prepped therefore you finish early evening rather than 2 pm. Sucks.

[arthur was right]

Morale is at an all time low. Staff starting earlier than they should. Staff not taking their breaks. Far too much of a workload in too little time.
Walks not planned properly meaning staff "cutting corners" The job has turned into a nightmare for many staff at Royal Mail
What the hell are the union doing about all of these issues!! I am so disappointed that the cwu. They seem to be turning a "blind eye the THEIR MEMBERS concerns. The top management at Royal mail [dictated to by the present government] will continue to "get away" with any changes they want to whilst we have such a spineless and weak "union". I,m afraid your all on your on your own. The top management and top unions are SHAMELESS!!

[stevo302]

It is funny really. Our office practically runs on part timers like myself coming in to prep walks. I know people are probably snooty about that, but, well, I need the money. Or I did back in the day. Now it's just become a habit. A habit I wouldn't like to break because the ONLY part of the job I enjoy is the office banter in the morning when the managers aren't mulling about.

All our office needs is to be knocked back another hour and FT finish times will make it literally a 9-5 job. I know I didn't sign on for that and neither did my workmates, most of whom have kids to pick up at 3.

I know it ain't the worst job in the world, but at 26, I've got to make a decision sooner rather than later. And a break would help me weigh up some options.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 36&t=12623" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[stevo302]

Yeah, I found that earlier. Doesn't really state the process on which they decide whether or not you get it, and what valid reasons they need to decline you.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

You'd never get an itemised list of why they will accept and why they will decline as the list will always change because of different circumstances in different offices.

1. According to the 2nd page you can ask for the manager to review your case again - however their decision is final

2a. According to that document, well reading between the lines - you keep your hours, but you don't keep your duty and you may be expected to move to another office within reasonable distance if there are no vacancies at your original office.

2b. Your seniority is frozen.

Way Forward.

13.6 All service within an appropriate grade, whether on permanent or temporary basis, will count for seniority purposes, with the exception of any periods worked on a casual contract, or during a career break or sabbatical.

[dvbuk55]

What would you want to do on a "career break"?

[clashcityrocker]

I'd like to be 26 again.

[fishtank]

I'd like to be 26 again.

What happened to you when you were 26?
I was changing nappies at 26 and sleeping 3hrs a night.
I'm not going back to that.

[motch]

I'd like to be 26 again.

What happened to you when you were 26?
I was changing nappies at 26 and sleeping 3hrs a night.
I'm not going back to that.

I was banging an 18 year old

[dvbuk55]

I'd like to be 26 again.

What happened to you when you were 26?
I was changing nappies at 26 and sleeping 3hrs a night.
I'm not going back to that.

I could do with a career break

[ebbzie]

I'd like to be 26 again.

What happened to you when you were 26?
I was changing nappies at 26 and sleeping 3hrs a night.
I'm not going back to that.

I was banging an 18 year old

What was his name?