Cover for Annual Leave

budapestbyblimp · Post by **budapestbyblimp** » 29 Jul 2017, 07:24

Hi,

I've recently been interviewed (no job offer yet) but was slightly surprised when I was told my weekly duty, if successful, would be to cover for annual leave. Is this normal for new starters and from people's experiences would this lead to a settled routine/duty after a period of time?

I have mixed feelings about this - I think I'd love the variety but concerned it would take a long time to settle in not having a regular "walk" that I'd get to know. Any advice or experiences greatly appreciated.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 29 Jul 2017, 13:25

budapestbyblimp wrote:Hi,

I've recently been interviewed (no job offer yet) but was slightly surprised when I was told my weekly duty, if successful, would be to cover for annual leave. Is this normal for new starters and from people's experiences would this lead to a settled routine/duty after a period of time?

I have mixed feelings about this - I think I'd love the variety but concerned it would take a long time to settle in not having a regular "walk" that I'd get to know. Any advice or experiences greatly appreciated.

When you first start you should be placed on duty for a number of weeks to get used to the processes and procedures and to build up your speed.

After that, all new starters generally become what we call reserves. That means when the normal postie for a duty is absent through sickness, courses, union matters or annual leave, a reserve will be put on that duty.

Although daunting to a new postie, once you have bedded in, it is the best way to learn rounds, and as most duties are now paired with another, its unlikely that you'll be on your own.

Eventually, you will get your own duty, or become a "day off cover" - that's where you cover set duties for one day at a time, and then repeat the same duties the following week.

budapestbyblimp · Post by **budapestbyblimp** » 29 Jul 2017, 16:02

TrueBlueTerrier wrote:
budapestbyblimp wrote:Hi,

I've recently been interviewed (no job offer yet) but was slightly surprised when I was told my weekly duty, if successful, would be to cover for annual leave. Is this normal for new starters and from people's experiences would this lead to a settled routine/duty after a period of time?

I have mixed feelings about this - I think I'd love the variety but concerned it would take a long time to settle in not having a regular "walk" that I'd get to know. Any advice or experiences greatly appreciated.

When you first start you should be placed on duty for a number of weeks to get used to the processes and procedures and to build up your speed.

After that, all new starters generally become what we call reserves. That means when the normal postie for a duty is absent through sickness, courses, union matters or annual leave, a reserve will be put on that duty.

Although daunting to a new postie, once you have bedded in, it is the best way to learn rounds, and as most duties are now paired with another, its unlikely that you'll be on your own.

Eventually, you will get your own duty, or become a "day off cover" - that's where you cover set duties for one day at a time, and then repeat the same duties the following week.

Many thanks for your full reponse Terrier - it's much appreciated.