Monday 19 January 2009

Washing Machines

As is usual, just after Christmas a major expense is required.

Today the washing machine died. As it was 8 years old I determined a new one was needed.

Visiting a local retailer (named after a good Indian Meal) I purchased one. However the great member of staff that served me said that they had just had their pay cut, half of the workforce had walked out, and management had responded by saying that they would recruit school leavers on the minimum wage, so what was the problem?

Me, thats the last time I do business with that particular firm!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am lucky that my wife understands that using the washing machine is her job - its best to leave womans work to woman; so I don't really know much about washing machines, other than watching my wife load it up!

Anonymous said...

Hello Ken

As you know I am retired now from case echo blogging.

Thank you for what you are trying to do (perhaps behind the scenes) for Thanet unemployed.

I am attending a conference on 25th Feb re Bizz Fizz. I will be drawing up the report at some point we email discussed and I have asked that when and if the institute director, briefing govt, extracts her non-names case report she post a copy to you.

If the TDC economic regeneration people, you have already contacted, get information from the Hastings scheme they should get the idea. Best wishes. They should be thinking cultural quarter small business. Up here they have "Live and Work" units for ex Arts students wanting to work, sell and live from their initial business premises. Tag that idea on to Turner Centre thinking eh ?

If the small business community in Thanet becomes aware of the Bizz Fizz thinking on how to help those on benefits willing to try sole trader self employed and signing off to help themselves..... if the small business maybe only cops a bit of rent on non productive floor area for which they are paying business rates. All helps.

The temp agencies should be aware of this because the emerging sole trader may be more flexible to take temp or part time work than those on benefits so the wider economy benefits from a greater pool of available flexible workers.

We have to think 21st century.

I have put this on your blog because it is to your credit that if you think an idea will benefit Thanet you would even get the info from the retired irritating bloke ! Well done Ken.

Richard

Anonymous said...

What nerdy friends you have Ken.

Anonymous said...

What nerdy friends you have Ken.

Anonymous said...

The Conservative Party is inclusive and allows nerdy people to post.

Nerdy friends are people too, you know!

Don Wood said...

Must be an echo on this blog

Don Wood said...

I love the idea of work and live units, we need more small starter units like the ones in Victoria Road Margate.I have a lot to do with the unemployed at St.Paul's and would love to get a unit where we could give skill's and get people back into the work ethic. I no longer have the mobility or energy to be involved but please do something Ken or at least set in motion. Don

A J Ovenden said...

If the workers had been members of a trade union it would have been a different story. At least some form of resistance could be organised instead of walking out.

Anonymous said...

Tony, you sound like a socialist-am I right ?

Jon said...

Ken, your favourite electrical shop -along with its brother-trader PC World - is in trouble. As a retailer it cannot shut up shop for a month or so like Honda. The old chestnut is whether workers would like a job at a reduced wage or no job at all! Your intent not to shop there again will also not be helpful to the staff.

A J Ovenden said...

Anon 18:15, my last holiday was in Cuba and I took a suitcase full of items for Cuban people who were at the time being economicaly squeezed by the Bush administration. I think that answers your question

Don Wood said...

16.45 are Labour peers included in your comment ?

Anonymous said...

I always try to shop in independant shops-thornton Bobby's in cliftonville is great,friendly service next day delivery where possible and a good mix of all things(they will even fit things,tune things ie TV's fridges and washing machines!)job done.
lily