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Had my informal interview, it was an agency for the employer, you know the type, had to get through them first. They didn't bother to forward my details to the practice - and as a consequence the job is now gone.

How did I find out? Well doing some snooping I managed to establish what practice it was, and emailed them directly (never trust an agency is my motto), anyway the upshot from the response was..." I am so sorry, your details were not forwarded to us and we would certainly have wished to formally interview you! Sadly Mr Jones that position was filled yesterday."

Whilst I have some work going on it is simply not enough and was rather hoping that two days a week steady would have taken the pressure off.

Darned recruitment agencies.

Mike

A rich man from Glasgow decided to have a party and invited all his Rangers buddies.

He also invited Sean, his gardener and the only Celtic fan in the neighbourhood.


He held the party around the pool in the backyard of his mansion.
Everyone was having a good time drinking, dancing, eating prawns, oysters and bbq and flirting.

At the height of the party, the host said, "I have a
15ft man-eating crocodile in my pool and I'll give a million pounds to anyone
who has the guts to jump in",

The words were barely out of his mouth when there was a loud splash and everyone turned around and saw Sean in the pool fighting the Croc and kicking it's as*, jabbing the croc in the eyes with his thumbs, throwing punches, doing all kinds of stuff like head butts and chokeholds, biting the croc on the tail and flipping the croc through the air like some kind of Judo instructor.

The water was churning and splashing everywere.

Both Sean and the croc were screaming and raising hell.


Finally Sean strangled the croc and let it float to the top like a goldfish. Sean then slowly climbed out of the pool.

Everyone just staring at him in disbelief.

Finally the host says, "Well Sean, I reckon
I owe you a million pounds" " Nah; you all right boss, I dont want it," said
Sean.

The rich man said " I have to give you something, how about a half
million pounds then".

"No thanks I don't want it" answered Sean.


The host continued " I insist on giving you something, that was amazing
what you done. How about a new Porsche and a Rolex".

Again Sean said no.


Confused the rich man asked, " There must be something you want? what
can I give you?."

'5 Minutes with the person who pushed me in the naffin' pool!!

Source: virtualhug.files.wordpress.com

I have always enjoyed reading afore I get my zzzz's in, I have such an eclectic range of novels that I enjoy but lately I have been getting through teh 'Jack Reacher' character, written (really well) by Lee Childs....so recommendable if you like easy going, plot twisting macho man stories.

I particularly enjoyed the JKR Harry Potter series, just good fun. Have also read the first two 'Twilight' and 'New-Moon.'

David Baldachi writes a mean story, have enjoyed many of his. Jester by James Patterson one of the best (IMO).

But big bad mean Jack Reacher, oh boy is he some character.

Best book ever....Hmmmm that is a tough one, has to be the trilogy by Brian Lumley, Psychomech/sphere/mok, written around 1985-7 ish, stunning stuff and read the two or three times.

Nothing heavy then, what is yours?

Mike

Oh and whooooooosh over this posters head! I so wish I understood what you mean, then I could play in wordpress to get more H1's whatever they are. I know, I'm just a plain thicko numpty Zomerset boy.

Mike

No, not really Barry. At the end of it all you as the employer can put in whatever caveats you want to. Perhaps I should offer up a couple of examples that clients currently have in place.

Client 1. States that no-one under the age of 25 is permitted to use own vehicle on company business.
Client 2. Allows anyone to drive on company business as long as they have relevant documentation that shows they are entitle to drive a vehicle.

There is two completely differing policies. Which is right and which then is wrong? Neither as it happens. For the employer as long as a check is made, details are held - it makes not a scrap of difference. If statistically a younger driver is likely to have an accident, that is no concern of an employer unless he/she wishes to consider moral implications. And of course the amount of driving.

One could argue if investigating such an event, why did the employer not provide a vehicle when the employee was driving all week for the employer? Starting to get into company vehicle territory now.

So Barry, it would not be unfair what you suggest, but beyond a moral responsibility it would serve little purpose when 'own-vehicle' use is considered. As long as they are legally entitle to drive, this would be as far as you would normally consider...HOWEVER (oh there is always a however).

If employee (we'll call him/her Fred/Freda, stick with Fred then cos I'm a bloke) drives a beat up ol crate that looks like it is hanging together and generally minging, you would be unwise to permit said employee to drive on company business. Say Fred has an accident (and you know he is prone to dangerous driving) or for arguments sake you know that Fred likes a few 'tinnies' of an evening; it would be generally unwise to permit Fred to drive for you with his own vehicle with previous knowledge of his vehicle and life in-mind. One could argue (got my expert witness testimony hat on now), that you knew of the potential for an accident based on Fred's vehicle and his lifestyle, you should therefore have selected another employee to undertake the driving for you, (quoting an actual case now).

With company owned vehicles that is an altogether different angle and one of which I can happily advise you - or anyone else on.

I can help with a comprehensive 'own-vehicle' policy if you require it...or a professional 'company-car' policy. All at no cost via the forum.

All the best

Mike

Indeed Barry, you may. When you say how far. Simply put if someone is driving their own vehicle on company time on company business, you owe them a duty of care as with any other working practice. To do that you need to establish they are qualified to drive, have relevant business use insurance and a valid MOT if vehicle over 3 years old.

Hours is something to consider also. I have recently assisted a client whose employee was involved in a RTA. Said employer had them working overtime over a ten day period with written consent to forgo the day off on a one-off basis. Adding the hours of driving up, then the overtime then the one hour drive to home meant a considerable amount of driving, he fell asleep at the wheel.

This is now being investigated - and the outcome could indeed be extremely serious for said employer. Employee is fine thankfully.

I cannot go into great detail, but there are additional circumstances the employer should have considered.

It is worthwhile for an employer to have a robust 'driving own vehicle' policy in place, duly signed by staff as fully acknowledged and understood by all users. keep copies of docs on file and update (review and audit) at least annually. It takes no time at all to have a thorough audit trail in place.

Mike

Thanks Mary. Ahhh, such a much disputed expression...where it originated from that is.

Non-slip soles with duly shined uppers at the ready

Mike

Out of the blue a company asked me today if I might be interested in two days a week as a Practice Manager. Money equates to around

Blogged this one today so thought it might be beneficial to any employer not currently requesting relevant information from employees, and what constitutes driving at work. Note: This does not include driving to and from your main place of employment which is generally not considered business use et al.

When visiting a client for the first time I am amazed at how many firms permit an employee to drive their own vehicle regularly on works business