transfer from Nottingham to Cornwall

[frankfurters]

I've heard a rumour that Cornwall delivery offices only work in 20hr contracts not full time. Is this true?

[BillS]

Most DOs down here in the West Country are only recruiting on 20hrs contract basis.

[frankfurters]

Thanks for the reply. But are there people on full time contracts? Surely not everyone is on 20hrs? This is the rumour I've heard and it just doesn't sound right. I'm not looking for a transfer now but in a few years and want to know what my options are.

[clashcityrocker]

Basically if you want to transfer now it means a reduction in your contracted hours.
If you want to transfer in a few years ........who knows?

[BillS]

Yes, that's right. We do have people down here who have dropped from full time to 20 hours just to get here. It has been known for them to regret the decision tough - it's pleasant but it's not paradise. Never judge the area on the basis of holidays, make sure you've seen it in winter before making a final decision.

[frankfurters]

We've been down in winter and in all honesty loved it more (apart from not being able to play in the sea )
Got everything we need in Cornwall and just feels more like home rather than Nottingham. But definitely can't drop to 20hrs a week. So I guess just wait till we're in a position to move house then see if anything changes down there or possibly look in to a second job

[Johnny_r]

Hi
Transferred to cornwall from from London 4 years ago. Was a postie for 10 years before transfering, 9 and a half of those on a 40 hour contract. The only way I could transfer is if I accepted a 20hr contract. I spoke to the DOM directly before transferring who told me that they should be able to make me upto 40 hr contract within a couple of months. After a couple of months I approached my DOM and asked about the prospect of a full time contract.. He told me that " full time contracts don't exist any more for delivery staff"... 4 years later am still on a 20 hour contract.. Sometimes I get overtime, sometimes I don't. Apart from the long termers, most of the staff in our office are on 20 or 25 hr contracts all fighting for the overtime.
I do love Cornwall but been unable to get a mortgage and times are financially VERY hard. When redundancies come after this sell off my name will be first on the list.. Gone from a job I loved to a job I despise.

[frankfurters]

Thank you for your reply. I find it shocking that royal mail think you can survive on 20hrs a week! I'm on 30 and will not/can't drop anymore. Will see what happens to the company in a few years. And I won't listen to the dom on promising me a full time contract in the future. Thank you for your advice and I hope you get what you want soon.