Just received the internal Trinity newsletter, which points out that there are a number of vacancies that need filling; these can be seen at http://www.tesl.com/TESL/Careers/ .
And if anybody is interested then they should email their CV to Jenny Brewster at this email address jenniferb@tesl.com and mention that I sent you.
Friday 29 February 2008
Thursday 28 February 2008
I've been paid
Yippee!
Checked my bank account this morning and the Job Seekers have paid me for the 2 weeks that they owed me and the redundancy payment is there. That makes things look a lot healthier, but, I’m hoping that they will explain how the payment was calculated because it doesn’t fit with any of the calculations I’ve done.
Still, at least the biggest chunk is now in the bank, and that makes me a happier bunny!
Checked my bank account this morning and the Job Seekers have paid me for the 2 weeks that they owed me and the redundancy payment is there. That makes things look a lot healthier, but, I’m hoping that they will explain how the payment was calculated because it doesn’t fit with any of the calculations I’ve done.
Still, at least the biggest chunk is now in the bank, and that makes me a happier bunny!
Wednesday 27 February 2008
Redundancy payments
Today I had an email from AndyB saying that he’s received an acknowledgement of his redundancy claim AND a payment from the Birmingham Redundancy Payments Office. So with fingers crossed I checked my bank account – no joy there. So I phoned EWS because I’ve not had any form of acknowledgement. The response was that my claim has gone off to the Birmingham RPO, for redundancy, holiday days and in-lieu of notice payments. Their view was that the Birmingham RPO can be a bit “hap hazard”. Also suggested that Cooper alphabetically follows Bell.
I’ve not had a job seekers payment yet either, but, have been reimbursed the travel expenses to Hitchin for the Trinity interview. Andy wasn’t told he could claim travel to Interview and the whole thing appears to be a bit hit & miss.
For your information:-
It would be interesting to hear if anybody else has been made a payment, and if they have, what it covered.
UPDATE 15:25 27/2/2008
Viv & Simon have received payouts and Stuart informs me that a number working in Milton Keynes have received payments, so the order would appear random.
UPDATE 19:40 27/2/2008
I've received the acknowledgement slip that they have received my claim. It came in today's post so if they are true to form then I should get my payment by the weekend.
I’ve not had a job seekers payment yet either, but, have been reimbursed the travel expenses to Hitchin for the Trinity interview. Andy wasn’t told he could claim travel to Interview and the whole thing appears to be a bit hit & miss.
For your information:-
- ALL EWS/zeda claims are being handled by the Birmingham Redundancy Payments Office – that’s what EWS told me
- They will only pay the days unemployed, but as I’ve returned to work I submitted my claim (in a letter format) for the period 1/2/08 – 17/2/08 stating that I would be receiving (but hadn’t yet received) Job Seekers Allowance for that period.
- If you are on JSA and have to travel to an interview then you can claim travel on the TIS (Travel to Interview Scheme). This works only if you tell them IN ADVANCE that you are travelling to an interview. They record the details on their system and give you a claim form, which you then submit for payment. They pay the cheapest possible cost to travel. In my case they paid 205 miles at 25p per mile coz train was over £100 and bus travel wasn’t an option.
It would be interesting to hear if anybody else has been made a payment, and if they have, what it covered.
UPDATE 15:25 27/2/2008
Viv & Simon have received payouts and Stuart informs me that a number working in Milton Keynes have received payments, so the order would appear random.
UPDATE 19:40 27/2/2008
I've received the acknowledgement slip that they have received my claim. It came in today's post so if they are true to form then I should get my payment by the weekend.
Tuesday 26 February 2008
Mothering Sunday is almost upon us
This coming Sunday will be Mothering Sunday or Mothers Day, depending on your preferred choice of phrase. Angie & John will be coming up to Derby from Colchester for the weekend, staying (as they do) with Mum & Dad. However, that’s not all as this is proving to be a busy weekend, for the following reasons:-
In the mean time Mark has had an interview for a part-time job at Moreways and should hear whether he’s been successful this week, so fingers crossed there.
Andy has done the work required to get his 21 year old BMW 3 series through it’s MOT and insurance is arranged for 1st March. His girlfriend has not only passed her driving test but has also got her first car, a Ford Ka with a nail varnish paint finish, really girlie and really nice, it suits her to a T!
- Suzie is off to London with her friend Carol Friday morning and will be back late Saturday
- Mark has his first driving lesson Saturday morning, shame I’ll not be there to see him off as...
- I’m off to Matlock to meet up with fellow Deauvilliers Allan & Steve to see if we can sort out venues for the Deauville Mega Meet at the end of May
- Andy will be getting a tax disc for his recently acquired BMW, which will be immediately followed by it's first outing
In the mean time Mark has had an interview for a part-time job at Moreways and should hear whether he’s been successful this week, so fingers crossed there.
Andy has done the work required to get his 21 year old BMW 3 series through it’s MOT and insurance is arranged for 1st March. His girlfriend has not only passed her driving test but has also got her first car, a Ford Ka with a nail varnish paint finish, really girlie and really nice, it suits her to a T!
Celebrating 6 months of Blogging
Well, I should have been, on the 18th to be precise, but starting the new job at Trinity was more significant has proved to be too great a distraction as I attempted to settle in and juggle the calls coming in from agencies with prospects of alternative employment.
I set up the blog for 2 reasons; firstly as a way of spreading news to friends and family without filling email in-trays allowing them to browse my news at their leisure, and secondly, as a platform from which to rant & rave at the world at large knowing that largely it will be either ignored or go un-noticed.
It has worked far better than I could have imagined, and with spectacular success when viewed in the light of the events at zeda on 31st January. It was first with the news, and being hosted on Google it automatically got a top return when people googled for zeda and redundant or liquidation which resulted in 2 requests for information from the media and some other interesting conversations and emails. It then became a window on the world for those made redundant on that day and a medium for sharing experiences and opportunities. I know it has readers across the UK, in the USA, Australia and New Zealand; anywhere else I wonder? All comments received to date have been positive and encouraging so it is my view that the best way to celebrate the past is to commit to the future! Rest assured, there will be more....
I set up the blog for 2 reasons; firstly as a way of spreading news to friends and family without filling email in-trays allowing them to browse my news at their leisure, and secondly, as a platform from which to rant & rave at the world at large knowing that largely it will be either ignored or go un-noticed.
It has worked far better than I could have imagined, and with spectacular success when viewed in the light of the events at zeda on 31st January. It was first with the news, and being hosted on Google it automatically got a top return when people googled for zeda and redundant or liquidation which resulted in 2 requests for information from the media and some other interesting conversations and emails. It then became a window on the world for those made redundant on that day and a medium for sharing experiences and opportunities. I know it has readers across the UK, in the USA, Australia and New Zealand; anywhere else I wonder? All comments received to date have been positive and encouraging so it is my view that the best way to celebrate the past is to commit to the future! Rest assured, there will be more....
Friday 22 February 2008
3 weeks on...
A lot has happened in the last 3 weeks. After lodging my CV with a number of web sites it is looking as if monster is the one most widely used as this is where most of my contacts / approaches from recruitment agencies are coming from. Still getting calls at the rate of 2 a day, though many are for the same role.
As a result of a direct approach following a tip off from Trevor I got my CV into Coda in Nottingham and had an interview there this week. It went very well from my view point but the role of Bespoke Business Analyst isn’t what I’m looking for (1/3rd BA, 1/3rd PM, 1/3rd Sales).
I’m settling into Trinity (too easily some might say) as although it’s a PM role, the ink hasn’t yet hit the contract I’ve been taken on for so again I’m on the bench. Facilities are good, people very friendly, the only down side is that the daily commute is 54 miles each way, heavy and unpredictable traffic congestion at times and the journey can take from just over an hour to two and a half (getting home on Monday night). The two main routes are M1/M69 or A42/M42/A45 – and neither is good.
News of others that I’ve heard:-
* Catherine has landed a position (with Atos I think)
• Viv didn’t get selected for the job in Chesterfield
• Elizabeth has been told by Homebase that she’ll not be extended after the end of the month
• Mike (hobby bobby) has got into Home Retail Group via Modis
• Alec has been selected for interview by Trinity on Monday
In the meantime I have a phone interview lined up for one day next week.
As a result of a direct approach following a tip off from Trevor I got my CV into Coda in Nottingham and had an interview there this week. It went very well from my view point but the role of Bespoke Business Analyst isn’t what I’m looking for (1/3rd BA, 1/3rd PM, 1/3rd Sales).
I’m settling into Trinity (too easily some might say) as although it’s a PM role, the ink hasn’t yet hit the contract I’ve been taken on for so again I’m on the bench. Facilities are good, people very friendly, the only down side is that the daily commute is 54 miles each way, heavy and unpredictable traffic congestion at times and the journey can take from just over an hour to two and a half (getting home on Monday night). The two main routes are M1/M69 or A42/M42/A45 – and neither is good.
News of others that I’ve heard:-
* Catherine has landed a position (with Atos I think)
• Viv didn’t get selected for the job in Chesterfield
• Elizabeth has been told by Homebase that she’ll not be extended after the end of the month
• Mike (hobby bobby) has got into Home Retail Group via Modis
• Alec has been selected for interview by Trinity on Monday
In the meantime I have a phone interview lined up for one day next week.
Thursday 21 February 2008
Internet problems
My internet access crashed out at home last night just after I retrieved my emails and I have been unable to get it back up. Looks like a job for the coming weekend.
UPDATE 21/02/2008 21:00 -- Normal service restored and so far holding up.
UPDATE 21/02/2008 21:00 -- Normal service restored and so far holding up.
Monday 18 February 2008
A brief update
Had my first day at Trinity today. All went well except for the travelling, 1hr 50 this morning and 2hr 30 back tonight and it's only 54 miles each way. I hope that’s not going to be the norm for that trip.
The job they’ve given me is a Project Manager role, with my first contract being (probably) Scarborough Building Society which is where Sarah S went contracting, so could be fun (V-twin bikers together). The good news is that I’m not expected to be on site every day, and that I can work from home should I want to. New laptop ordered and on it’s way, hopefully by the end of the week. I can have any software I like, and I’ll get a Blackberry in a couple of weeks time.
Obviously there’s a lot of getting to know the ropes and the like this week but I’ve already had a 1:1 with my boss Rob. We have loads in common, including our age and cynicism – should make an unbeatable team.
The job they’ve given me is a Project Manager role, with my first contract being (probably) Scarborough Building Society which is where Sarah S went contracting, so could be fun (V-twin bikers together). The good news is that I’m not expected to be on site every day, and that I can work from home should I want to. New laptop ordered and on it’s way, hopefully by the end of the week. I can have any software I like, and I’ll get a Blackberry in a couple of weeks time.
Obviously there’s a lot of getting to know the ropes and the like this week but I’ve already had a 1:1 with my boss Rob. We have loads in common, including our age and cynicism – should make an unbeatable team.
Friday 15 February 2008
Meeting of Zeda creditors
From Elizabeth, a quick update of important points from the Creditors’ meeting yesterday:-
* EWS confirmed as the Liquidators so the processing of claims can now move forward
* Outstanding expenses should get paid
* Any unpaid wages (including overtime) and holiday pay take priority
* All ‘end of year’ documentation (incl P60, business miles advice, P11D etc) will be produced as normal
So, if you have expenses outstanding (including overtime) and haven’t advised EWS it is important that you send them that information as soon as possible (I simply completed and signed the offsite expenses spreadsheet as normal).
Otherwise, if you have filled in form RP1 fully then you should not need to do anything else for the moment. Forms will now be processed, calculations will be made and a ‘statement’ will be prepared and sent to you for you to agree or query as appropriate. This will be the start of an ongoing dialogue between each individual and EWS in respect of their specific claim and circumstances.
All expenses claims need to be in by the end of this month so that they can be paid out from Group finances. Overtime needs to be separated out from on-call and expenses as it is classed as wages rather than expenses.
* EWS confirmed as the Liquidators so the processing of claims can now move forward
* Outstanding expenses should get paid
* Any unpaid wages (including overtime) and holiday pay take priority
* All ‘end of year’ documentation (incl P60, business miles advice, P11D etc) will be produced as normal
So, if you have expenses outstanding (including overtime) and haven’t advised EWS it is important that you send them that information as soon as possible (I simply completed and signed the offsite expenses spreadsheet as normal).
Otherwise, if you have filled in form RP1 fully then you should not need to do anything else for the moment. Forms will now be processed, calculations will be made and a ‘statement’ will be prepared and sent to you for you to agree or query as appropriate. This will be the start of an ongoing dialogue between each individual and EWS in respect of their specific claim and circumstances.
All expenses claims need to be in by the end of this month so that they can be paid out from Group finances. Overtime needs to be separated out from on-call and expenses as it is classed as wages rather than expenses.
Thursday 14 February 2008
Royalty on Motorbikes
Whatever next?
It seems like the two young royals are going to do a Charlie & Ewan, Long Way Down ride through Africa... that's assuming that you can believe what you read in the press! See this artilce in The Daily Mail
I wonder if One is amused?
It seems like the two young royals are going to do a Charlie & Ewan, Long Way Down ride through Africa... that's assuming that you can believe what you read in the press! See this artilce in The Daily Mail
I wonder if One is amused?
It seems that I have a job
The postman finally delivered the Trinity Ts&Cs today at sometime after mid-day. The offer is a 3 months fixed term contract, salary is about -£700p.a. and car allowance -£500p.a. on my zeda Ts&Cs, so in real terms £100 a month down on my zeda earnings. However, no pension conts means I'm about even on take home pay.
The job is a Project Manager role based on a 40 hour week with 6 days annual leave (plus Bank Hols) in the 3 month period (24 days p.a.) so the question for now is, will I take it?
Yes, of course I'll take it. It's better than banging out job applications and taking phone calls that deliver little more than promises. If anything else comes my way I can I can now consider it against what I have rather than against nothing (sorry, Job Seekers Allowance).
The job is a Project Manager role based on a 40 hour week with 6 days annual leave (plus Bank Hols) in the 3 month period (24 days p.a.) so the question for now is, will I take it?
Yes, of course I'll take it. It's better than banging out job applications and taking phone calls that deliver little more than promises. If anything else comes my way I can I can now consider it against what I have rather than against nothing (sorry, Job Seekers Allowance).
Rumours & Comments
Amid rumours that the proprietor of Zeda, John Mills, is not happy with some of the comments posted in response to the article on ThisIsNottingham and is going to use private investigators to track the culprits, one of my colleagues has succinctly summed it up thus….
If this story is true (I somehow doubt it), does Mr Mills expect everyone to passively and benignly receive their redundancy without notice, redundancy pay, or even payment in lieu? Is he bankrupt now? And does he think that the Great Unwashed doesn't have a right to be angry and cynical at the way in which this whole thing was conducted?
I've read the comments and I put one in of my own. I didn't write anything defamatory, crude or libellous, but I passed on my observation of the Zeda culture (for want of a better word). I'm not ashamed at what I wrote - or the attitude in which I wrote it. The only people who would disagree would be the establishment.. if they don't like it - well, tough. It's a free country. If you dish out brickbats, you should be man enough to take them as well!
The one thing that made Zeda tolerable was the majority of decent human beings I had the privilege to get to know and work with for 11 years - certainly not the image-obsessed, nit-picking corporate crap we had to put up with.
To be honest, I couldn’t have put it better myself… But, should Mr Mills or anybody employed by him to investigate these things be reading this Blogg, then to them I say -- You mistake me for someone that cares!
UPDATE at 15:45 14/2/2008
The link above now takes you to the comments that were posted by ex-zeda employees but the original article has been removed. A similar press release story can now be found here at ThisIsNottingham . Strange that - I thought that no publicity was bad publicity, perhaps that's not always the case.
If this story is true (I somehow doubt it), does Mr Mills expect everyone to passively and benignly receive their redundancy without notice, redundancy pay, or even payment in lieu? Is he bankrupt now? And does he think that the Great Unwashed doesn't have a right to be angry and cynical at the way in which this whole thing was conducted?
I've read the comments and I put one in of my own. I didn't write anything defamatory, crude or libellous, but I passed on my observation of the Zeda culture (for want of a better word). I'm not ashamed at what I wrote - or the attitude in which I wrote it. The only people who would disagree would be the establishment.. if they don't like it - well, tough. It's a free country. If you dish out brickbats, you should be man enough to take them as well!
The one thing that made Zeda tolerable was the majority of decent human beings I had the privilege to get to know and work with for 11 years - certainly not the image-obsessed, nit-picking corporate crap we had to put up with.
To be honest, I couldn’t have put it better myself… But, should Mr Mills or anybody employed by him to investigate these things be reading this Blogg, then to them I say -- You mistake me for someone that cares!
UPDATE at 15:45 14/2/2008
The link above now takes you to the comments that were posted by ex-zeda employees but the original article has been removed. A similar press release story can now be found here at ThisIsNottingham . Strange that - I thought that no publicity was bad publicity, perhaps that's not always the case.
An Opportunity for some
I have received the following contact that could offer an opportunity for some:-
Phase 3 Consulting is a leading provider of Independent HRIS Consultancy, specialising in the MidlandHR application arena. Over the past 24 months we have worked with over 70 clients offering real value Independent HRIS & Payroll Consultancy and a greater return from their HR Spend.
We have a dedicated Business Intelligence team has been specifically setup to tackle issues relating to Management Information/Reporting from Midland HR applications. In addition, our group of Cognos & Business Object experts will be able to guide you through tough issues you are currently facing. They are at hand to resolve any problems swiftly and effectively, including Business Object XI (BOXI) upgrades.
You may not have the HR & Payroll skills but I think it would certainly be worth speaking with me to discuss your next move. Please either email me your CV or contact me directly on the numbers below.
Of course, feel free to forward this email to your colleagues.
Kind regards,
Assad Ahmed
Director
Phase 3 Consulting
Tel: +44 (0) 870 166 2416
Fax: +44 (0) 871 733 5232
Mob: +44 (0) 797 013 4995
a.ahmed@phase3consulting.co.uk
Phase 3 Consulting is a leading provider of Independent HRIS Consultancy, specialising in the MidlandHR application arena. Over the past 24 months we have worked with over 70 clients offering real value Independent HRIS & Payroll Consultancy and a greater return from their HR Spend.
We have a dedicated Business Intelligence team has been specifically setup to tackle issues relating to Management Information/Reporting from Midland HR applications. In addition, our group of Cognos & Business Object experts will be able to guide you through tough issues you are currently facing. They are at hand to resolve any problems swiftly and effectively, including Business Object XI (BOXI) upgrades.
You may not have the HR & Payroll skills but I think it would certainly be worth speaking with me to discuss your next move. Please either email me your CV or contact me directly on the numbers below.
Of course, feel free to forward this email to your colleagues.
Kind regards,
Assad Ahmed
Director
Phase 3 Consulting
Tel: +44 (0) 870 166 2416
Fax: +44 (0) 871 733 5232
Mob: +44 (0) 797 013 4995
a.ahmed@phase3consulting.co.uk
Wednesday 13 February 2008
Busy Tuesday & Lazy Wednesday
Tuesday morning I was up bright and early, and straight onto the job sites – refining “my profile” and “search criteria”. I then did a number of on-line searches and hit a few job possibilities with my CV and a covering note. Eventually took a break for a cuppa at 12:20, which was just as well because around 1pm the phones started ringing (land line and mobile) and by the time I’d finished at 16:50 a further 5 different contacts had been established and an equal number of job opportunities had been identified and promises that applications were being sent.
One thing that stands out is the inconsistency of these recruitment agencies – almost in equal measure they either praise or damn my CV. Some say that they’ve rarely had as much detail as I’ve provided, while others say that I need to expand on what I’ve done by adding the original targets/goals, methods used and results. You just can’t please all of the people all of the time!
Anyway – after such a hectic day yesterday I decided that today I was taking a day off from all the Job Seeking thing, after all, I do have a job to go to on Monday at Trinity. So with my mother being on a respite day from caring for father, we got the dog and took a drive down to Coventry to find the offices of my new employer. Somehow I took a wrong turning that saw me the wrong side of some roadworks and with a long trek in store to get back to where we should have been I took the decision to buzz off down to Stratford Upon Avon and show mum the NFU Mutual offices where I’d worked just over a year ago (from the outside of course). We then found a lovely pub on the A3400 where we had lunch before finishing our cross country drive back home to dad.
Tomorrow is signing on day. That should be interesting!
One thing that stands out is the inconsistency of these recruitment agencies – almost in equal measure they either praise or damn my CV. Some say that they’ve rarely had as much detail as I’ve provided, while others say that I need to expand on what I’ve done by adding the original targets/goals, methods used and results. You just can’t please all of the people all of the time!
Anyway – after such a hectic day yesterday I decided that today I was taking a day off from all the Job Seeking thing, after all, I do have a job to go to on Monday at Trinity. So with my mother being on a respite day from caring for father, we got the dog and took a drive down to Coventry to find the offices of my new employer. Somehow I took a wrong turning that saw me the wrong side of some roadworks and with a long trek in store to get back to where we should have been I took the decision to buzz off down to Stratford Upon Avon and show mum the NFU Mutual offices where I’d worked just over a year ago (from the outside of course). We then found a lovely pub on the A3400 where we had lunch before finishing our cross country drive back home to dad.
Tomorrow is signing on day. That should be interesting!
Tuesday 12 February 2008
Trouble ahead for MidlandHR?
First it was zeda, now it looks as if the whole thing is getting a bit shakey around MidlandHR, see this article in Personneltoday.com
It will only be a matter of time before ABM-UK are sucked down the same plug-hole. My understanding is that Mills had the opportunity to sell zeda as a going concern some months ago, but, he pulled out when the offer was less than his valuation. Seems as though the other party's valuation was nearer the mark so the natural conclusion is that his greed and ego is so great and (as usual) only his view counts.
The final legacy at the end of this episode could well be three fine companies down the pan taking several hundred employees as they go and leaving him still a wealthy man. I just hope that Mills & Farrow can't sleep at night, but I strongly suspect that their arrogance will see them through!
It will only be a matter of time before ABM-UK are sucked down the same plug-hole. My understanding is that Mills had the opportunity to sell zeda as a going concern some months ago, but, he pulled out when the offer was less than his valuation. Seems as though the other party's valuation was nearer the mark so the natural conclusion is that his greed and ego is so great and (as usual) only his view counts.
The final legacy at the end of this episode could well be three fine companies down the pan taking several hundred employees as they go and leaving him still a wealthy man. I just hope that Mills & Farrow can't sleep at night, but I strongly suspect that their arrogance will see them through!
The Post Office
I get home from the Job Fair yesterday and there's a note from the Post Office -- the post-person couldn't leave an item of mail because the correct fee wasn't paid. £1.03 is due PLUS a £1 handling charge. The item isn't correctly addressed so do I want/need it? It could be important, perhaps a job offer. It may be meaningless junk. BUT I HAVE to pay £2.03 JUST to find out! How shit is that?
Red Day – My 2nd Monday
I woke up expecting a busy day – and that’s what I got. With Mark on board II set off to pick up Susan from Denby who can’t drive following her operation. Having picked her up we then dropped Mark off at University (I forgot to mention earlier that he’s on course for a First following the results of his post-Christmas examinations where he scored 70% & 80%).
Then we went to the Jumar Job Fair at the Holiday Inn. In one way it was good to see so many former colleagues, but, I’d rather we were all still working. We were greeted by Becky who said that around a dozen ex-zeda staff were expected, well they must have been surprised as when I left there was around 20 present and we me another 3 going in as we walked to the car. I hope it was a success fot most people, although when I spoke to Viv later she was really down as they’d told her that they didn’t expect to have anything for her.
After dropping Susan back in Denby I went home and got into my emails and job searching. What an afternoon. I chased up 2 agencies for progress reports, then had a further 5 agencies ring me. Caroline from Trinity left a voice mail message to confirm that details of the job offer would be in the post that night and I was expected at The Oaks on Monday morning. I phoned Legal & General, left a voice mail message and got a call back. After explaining my situation I was advised that if I get the liquidator to complete the claim for now, I should then hang onto it and submit it if the Trinity job doesn’t work out.
I eventually got off the computer around 16:40 – just in time to cook dinner.
Then we went to the Jumar Job Fair at the Holiday Inn. In one way it was good to see so many former colleagues, but, I’d rather we were all still working. We were greeted by Becky who said that around a dozen ex-zeda staff were expected, well they must have been surprised as when I left there was around 20 present and we me another 3 going in as we walked to the car. I hope it was a success fot most people, although when I spoke to Viv later she was really down as they’d told her that they didn’t expect to have anything for her.
After dropping Susan back in Denby I went home and got into my emails and job searching. What an afternoon. I chased up 2 agencies for progress reports, then had a further 5 agencies ring me. Caroline from Trinity left a voice mail message to confirm that details of the job offer would be in the post that night and I was expected at The Oaks on Monday morning. I phoned Legal & General, left a voice mail message and got a call back. After explaining my situation I was advised that if I get the liquidator to complete the claim for now, I should then hang onto it and submit it if the Trinity job doesn’t work out.
I eventually got off the computer around 16:40 – just in time to cook dinner.
Sunday 10 February 2008
Friday was "Good News Day"
Late on Friday I had a phone call to inform me that following my interview on Thursday the company (Trinity Expert Systems Ltd) are going to offer me a 3 month short term contract in order that both they and I can find out if we can work together. If everything works out fine then at the end of the 3 month period, a permanent role will be offered and the usual 3 month probation period will be waived as I will be deemed to have served it.
So Monday 18th should see me start with TESL. That means I’ll only have spent 2 weeks on Job Seekers Allowance and hopefully the redundancy payout will be through in 5-6 weeks time to top up the bank account.
Caroline went on to say that Trinity Expert Systems Ltd www.tesl.com have reviewed the contact list that I'd sent her earlier in the day. My understanding is that it is TESL's intentions to tackle the sudden offering of skilled staff presented to them by the demise of zeda in two groups, Sales Staff and non-Sales staff.
Sales staff:-
Details of ex-zeda sales personnel will be passed to the TESL Sales Director for him to process - easy enough for him to accommodate as there aren't that many of you, and he/his staff will contact you directly to make arrangements for interviews, etc...
non-Sales staff:-
ALL non-Sales staff will be contacted by TESL and offered a 3 month fixed contract based on their zeda salary. This is to give both sides the time to work out whether a long term contract is suitable to both parties (i.e. time to get to know each other). Normal TESL contracts contain a 3 month probationary period. If at the end of the 3 month fixed term contract a permanent role is offered, the fixed term contract will be deemed to have been the probationary period.
Hopefully this is good news for those like me that have not been taken on by former zeda clients or found alternative employment. I don’t have any further details, such as where we’d be expected to work from, travel arrangements, etc… but I’m sure these can quickly be worked out. Personally, I’d rather take a punt at an opening like this than sit around on Job Seekers Allowance.
Anyway, tomorrow (Monday) morning I'm off to a Jobs Fair being held by Jumar-Solutions for ex-zeda staff to see what they have to offer. Never know, they might turn up something better (like a lottery win?).
So Monday 18th should see me start with TESL. That means I’ll only have spent 2 weeks on Job Seekers Allowance and hopefully the redundancy payout will be through in 5-6 weeks time to top up the bank account.
Caroline went on to say that Trinity Expert Systems Ltd www.tesl.com have reviewed the contact list that I'd sent her earlier in the day. My understanding is that it is TESL's intentions to tackle the sudden offering of skilled staff presented to them by the demise of zeda in two groups, Sales Staff and non-Sales staff.
Sales staff:-
Details of ex-zeda sales personnel will be passed to the TESL Sales Director for him to process - easy enough for him to accommodate as there aren't that many of you, and he/his staff will contact you directly to make arrangements for interviews, etc...
non-Sales staff:-
ALL non-Sales staff will be contacted by TESL and offered a 3 month fixed contract based on their zeda salary. This is to give both sides the time to work out whether a long term contract is suitable to both parties (i.e. time to get to know each other). Normal TESL contracts contain a 3 month probationary period. If at the end of the 3 month fixed term contract a permanent role is offered, the fixed term contract will be deemed to have been the probationary period.
Hopefully this is good news for those like me that have not been taken on by former zeda clients or found alternative employment. I don’t have any further details, such as where we’d be expected to work from, travel arrangements, etc… but I’m sure these can quickly be worked out. Personally, I’d rather take a punt at an opening like this than sit around on Job Seekers Allowance.
Anyway, tomorrow (Monday) morning I'm off to a Jobs Fair being held by Jumar-Solutions for ex-zeda staff to see what they have to offer. Never know, they might turn up something better (like a lottery win?).
Friday 8 February 2008
Red Day +1 week
Thursday was focussed on the interview with Trinity, driving down to Hitchin in Hertfordshire. Arrived with plenty of time so got my head down in the car for 30 minutes so that I was fresh and de-stressed. Still registered with reception 15 minutes early, but was collected by Caroline bang on noon and taken to the meeting room where I was introduced to Steve (the CEO) and Lee (programme manager, I’ve worked with her before, all be it briefly). From my point of view it went well, more of a chat than an interview. Steve remembered Arcast (pre-MidlandHR) which lead to some discussion as he’d worked for a competitor at the time.
Basically, I’m the 7th ex-zeda person that they have interviewed and to date they say that they have yet to see anybody that they wouldn’t offer a job to. In fact he's so impressed that (his own words) "If I'd known Zeda was in trouble I'd have bought the company". And another thing he said "It's not everyday I get the opportunity to snap up nearly 100 people without having to pay recruitment agency costs, I'm not going to let an opportunity like that pass me by.” "
After years of being dumbed down by an overly oppressive management that hadn’t got a clue about running a business and only every went chasing pots of gold at the end of rainbows it’s great to find a hands on COE that cares for both his business and his employees, recognises real opportunity and goes for it. This country really would be Great Britain if there were more like him.
As a result I came away from the interview making a promise that I’d have a contact list of ex-zeda employees with Trinity by noon Friday 8th Jan. That was just over 1.5 hours ago and I made the deadline and got the obligatory read receipt at 12:04. So that’s another 48 people that stand a chance of being contacted for an interview.
In the meantime I’ve lodged my updated CV with CWjobs, Jobserve & Jobsite. Barclay Anderson in Sheffield have been in touch about a potential job in Nottingham. My approach to MODIS has resulted in my CV going off to Severn Trent Water and they are contacting Argos who I’ve worked for in the past (for zeda). While at Job Seekers I found an opportunity that I’m going to follow up in Leicester and 2 others that came up on the JS computer. Becky at Jumar-Solutions has been in touch and I’ve circulated the news of the “job fair” for ex-zeda staff round to all those that I have contact details for.
News from others, in brief:-
1. The 2 Andy’s and Trevor have been interviewed by Trinity and will probably be made an offer
2. Viv had a first interview in Chesterfield and is waiting to hear back from them
3. Paul B has found work
4. Paul C has gone to MidlandHR but despite having a clause in my contract that my CV would be shared with companies in the Ancaster group nothing appears to have happened – perhaps they anticipated where I’d tell them to stick it!
5. Many / most of the folks that were working for Argos and the Alliance & Leicester have been taken on by them, though they have had to go “contracting” through MODIS to get it and they’ve been screwed down on the rate.
6. Members of the “zeda top table” met up for lunch yesterday – I couldn’t have attended but it’s nice to know that old habits die hard and cliques persist.
7. There’s an open invitation to meet up at the Pitcher and Piano today (Friday 8th) at 7pm for a few drinks – no promises but I’ll try and be there.
In my last post I put in a link to the Nottingham Post, and an article where a Mr Green spouted off about the help that was being extended to those recently made redundant in Nottingham. Well, being my usual tactful self I posted a reply along the lines of Mr Green being the invisible man as that article is the only thing that he appears to have done and certainly, neither I nor any of my former colleagues have seen or heard from Mr Green. Strangly, the Nottingham Post hasn't published my post -- censorship? Denial of the right to freedom of speach? What's next? I doubt it will be help finding employment....
That’s it for now, there’s jobs to be applied for....
Basically, I’m the 7th ex-zeda person that they have interviewed and to date they say that they have yet to see anybody that they wouldn’t offer a job to. In fact he's so impressed that (his own words) "If I'd known Zeda was in trouble I'd have bought the company". And another thing he said "It's not everyday I get the opportunity to snap up nearly 100 people without having to pay recruitment agency costs, I'm not going to let an opportunity like that pass me by.” "
After years of being dumbed down by an overly oppressive management that hadn’t got a clue about running a business and only every went chasing pots of gold at the end of rainbows it’s great to find a hands on COE that cares for both his business and his employees, recognises real opportunity and goes for it. This country really would be Great Britain if there were more like him.
As a result I came away from the interview making a promise that I’d have a contact list of ex-zeda employees with Trinity by noon Friday 8th Jan. That was just over 1.5 hours ago and I made the deadline and got the obligatory read receipt at 12:04. So that’s another 48 people that stand a chance of being contacted for an interview.
In the meantime I’ve lodged my updated CV with CWjobs, Jobserve & Jobsite. Barclay Anderson in Sheffield have been in touch about a potential job in Nottingham. My approach to MODIS has resulted in my CV going off to Severn Trent Water and they are contacting Argos who I’ve worked for in the past (for zeda). While at Job Seekers I found an opportunity that I’m going to follow up in Leicester and 2 others that came up on the JS computer. Becky at Jumar-Solutions has been in touch and I’ve circulated the news of the “job fair” for ex-zeda staff round to all those that I have contact details for.
News from others, in brief:-
1. The 2 Andy’s and Trevor have been interviewed by Trinity and will probably be made an offer
2. Viv had a first interview in Chesterfield and is waiting to hear back from them
3. Paul B has found work
4. Paul C has gone to MidlandHR but despite having a clause in my contract that my CV would be shared with companies in the Ancaster group nothing appears to have happened – perhaps they anticipated where I’d tell them to stick it!
5. Many / most of the folks that were working for Argos and the Alliance & Leicester have been taken on by them, though they have had to go “contracting” through MODIS to get it and they’ve been screwed down on the rate.
6. Members of the “zeda top table” met up for lunch yesterday – I couldn’t have attended but it’s nice to know that old habits die hard and cliques persist.
7. There’s an open invitation to meet up at the Pitcher and Piano today (Friday 8th) at 7pm for a few drinks – no promises but I’ll try and be there.
In my last post I put in a link to the Nottingham Post, and an article where a Mr Green spouted off about the help that was being extended to those recently made redundant in Nottingham. Well, being my usual tactful self I posted a reply along the lines of Mr Green being the invisible man as that article is the only thing that he appears to have done and certainly, neither I nor any of my former colleagues have seen or heard from Mr Green. Strangly, the Nottingham Post hasn't published my post -- censorship? Denial of the right to freedom of speach? What's next? I doubt it will be help finding employment....
That’s it for now, there’s jobs to be applied for....
Wednesday 6 February 2008
Red Day +3 & +4
So what happened…. Well basically I woke up on Tuesday feeling a bit depressed with it all, so I buried myself in job hunting at 8am and went straight through to 4pm. Stopped to cook dinner, took a break, went and played badminton and after showering I went to bed knackered out. It had been a good day though – I’ve an interview lined up for Thursday and I’d got just about all the evidence they asked for ready for my Job Seekers interview.
Wednesday - Job Seekers interview day. I turn up early, the first contact {Karline) sees me early, proceeds to say that we don’t need most of this data and re-does the statement which I then sign. Part way through this process Viv taps me on the shoulder on her way out. I then have to wait to see contact #2. This is Ester (she’s just processed Viv) so we run through all the stuff they have on their system about me, confirming my details, and then we determine what sort of work I’m looking for – and they don’t have Business Analyst, Project Manager or Payroll Manager on their main categories. BA and PM are both sub-categories and Payroll Manager doesn’t come up at all. It’s a clumsy system so it’s no wonder that those that don’t want to work end up skiving off, the system appears to make it easy.
I’d gone to the JS interview on my motorbike, parked it right by the door, so when I came out I went off and met up with Mike “Hobby Bobby” and the pair of us went for a ride up from Nottingham, round Mansfield, to CMC at Calow Top, before dropping down into Chesterfield, Clay Cross, Ilkeston and home. It was a great day for a ride, though a bit cool but I needed that and like I texted to Mike when I got home, if more people rode motorbikes there would be fewer druggies on the streets.
Tomorrow night I’ll post how I got on in Hitchin and news on other people as well (if they tell me).
Oh, nearly forgot, you might like to see this in the Nottingham Post
Wednesday - Job Seekers interview day. I turn up early, the first contact {Karline) sees me early, proceeds to say that we don’t need most of this data and re-does the statement which I then sign. Part way through this process Viv taps me on the shoulder on her way out. I then have to wait to see contact #2. This is Ester (she’s just processed Viv) so we run through all the stuff they have on their system about me, confirming my details, and then we determine what sort of work I’m looking for – and they don’t have Business Analyst, Project Manager or Payroll Manager on their main categories. BA and PM are both sub-categories and Payroll Manager doesn’t come up at all. It’s a clumsy system so it’s no wonder that those that don’t want to work end up skiving off, the system appears to make it easy.
I’d gone to the JS interview on my motorbike, parked it right by the door, so when I came out I went off and met up with Mike “Hobby Bobby” and the pair of us went for a ride up from Nottingham, round Mansfield, to CMC at Calow Top, before dropping down into Chesterfield, Clay Cross, Ilkeston and home. It was a great day for a ride, though a bit cool but I needed that and like I texted to Mike when I got home, if more people rode motorbikes there would be fewer druggies on the streets.
Tomorrow night I’ll post how I got on in Hitchin and news on other people as well (if they tell me).
Oh, nearly forgot, you might like to see this in the Nottingham Post
Monday 4 February 2008
Red Day +2
So what of today? First I spoke to Dan Ayscough, Senior Recruitment Consultant at Computer People:-
Tel: +44 (0)113 2186854
Fax: +44 (0)113 2434528
Mob: 07715104542
To email Dan click here
Springfield House, 76 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 2AY
ComputerPeople ...and... Dan at ComputerPeople
After a good long chat I now have to wait to see if he has anything suitable. So with that under my belt it was time to get onto my mortgage protection provider and find out where I stand – quite well as it happens, so at least the mortgage will get paid for the next 12 months at least. Not loosing the roof over my head just yet.
Next up was following a lead from Susan in Denby, Jumar-Solutions. Went on their web site and applied for 3 positions and submitted my CV. About an hour later I got a call from Becky Goodfellow and it turns out that their web site only went live today and I’m the first person to use it to submit my CV. Details are:-
Jumar Solutions Limited, Jumar House, Pinewood Business Park, Coleshill Road, Solihull, B37 7HG
Tel: +44 121 788 4550
Fax: +44 121 788 4551
Mobile: +44 7825 080048
Jumar-Solutions
Becky and her colleagues are looking to do a “Job Fair” just for ex-Zeda employees on the morning of Monday 11th Feb. Any ex-Zeda people interested then email me or Becky.
After that it was a quick hit on a couple of recruitment web sites for 3 or 4 jobs, reply to emails from former colleagues and update the contact list. A phone call from Carol would have ended the day, but for a trip to see Viv and a brief progress chat. Back home for 20:30 and a glass of cider with Fred. Good night all, that’s it, I’m done.
Tel: +44 (0)113 2186854
Fax: +44 (0)113 2434528
Mob: 07715104542
To email Dan click here
Springfield House, 76 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 2AY
ComputerPeople ...and... Dan at ComputerPeople
After a good long chat I now have to wait to see if he has anything suitable. So with that under my belt it was time to get onto my mortgage protection provider and find out where I stand – quite well as it happens, so at least the mortgage will get paid for the next 12 months at least. Not loosing the roof over my head just yet.
Next up was following a lead from Susan in Denby, Jumar-Solutions. Went on their web site and applied for 3 positions and submitted my CV. About an hour later I got a call from Becky Goodfellow and it turns out that their web site only went live today and I’m the first person to use it to submit my CV. Details are:-
Jumar Solutions Limited, Jumar House, Pinewood Business Park, Coleshill Road, Solihull, B37 7HG
Tel: +44 121 788 4550
Fax: +44 121 788 4551
Mobile: +44 7825 080048
Jumar-Solutions
Becky and her colleagues are looking to do a “Job Fair” just for ex-Zeda employees on the morning of Monday 11th Feb. Any ex-Zeda people interested then email me or Becky.
After that it was a quick hit on a couple of recruitment web sites for 3 or 4 jobs, reply to emails from former colleagues and update the contact list. A phone call from Carol would have ended the day, but for a trip to see Viv and a brief progress chat. Back home for 20:30 and a glass of cider with Fred. Good night all, that’s it, I’m done.
Sunday 3 February 2008
The Weekend
Virtually all my working life I’ve worked Monday – Friday and enjoyed the weekend. This one is going to be no different and I’m not changing things just because I don’t have a job to go to on Monday morning. So sticking with the normal routine it was a day that started with changing the bed sheets, then washing, tumbling and ironing them, clothes and stuff - household chores, mundane but necessary. Suzie & Mark did the weekly shop in the morning and I ran her into town for a hair appointment in the afternoon.
Andy was at work in the morning and when he came home I got him to ring round some of his mates in the car trade. Basically the car has got to go as I can’t service the loan repayments without money coming in. First step - I’ve asked for a valuation. Once I have that I’ll see what’s the best way to sell. I don’t really want to use eBay, but will if it’s the best option.
Saturday night and Dave picked us up, and Fred, and then drove us round to TenPin for a couple of games. Lane 26, right on the end, out of the way and no passing traffic to distract us. Barry & Wendy turned up as arranged and the 6 of us had two leisurely games. Barry top scored with 148 in the first game, and I top scored the second with 161. A few drinks and good company made for a really enjoyable night out -- Thanks All!
Since posting the news on this Blog is my way of keeping in touch with friends and family it came as no surprise that my brother and sisters have to rung make sure I’m OK. Short of it is... I am. Life goes on and tomorrow being Monday will see me following my “Plan of Action”, which is basically a To Do list. Plus I’m going to be keeping a log of what I’ve done, who I’ve approached and responses received to keep the Government minders happy. I really can’t see the attraction of living off the social that so may inhabitants of this country seem to crave. I haven’t made my claim yet and the novelty has already worn off. How do those people think? How do they live? I really, truly do not understand.
Finally for tonight, I've been really encouraged by the contacts I've received. Not just those in the same boat as my now as a result of last week's events, but also, from those I've worked with in the past, who have moved on (mostly upwards) since leaving the Ancaster Group. To all of them, to all of you guys and gals, it was a pleasure to work with you then and it's a priviledge to know you now.
Andy was at work in the morning and when he came home I got him to ring round some of his mates in the car trade. Basically the car has got to go as I can’t service the loan repayments without money coming in. First step - I’ve asked for a valuation. Once I have that I’ll see what’s the best way to sell. I don’t really want to use eBay, but will if it’s the best option.
Saturday night and Dave picked us up, and Fred, and then drove us round to TenPin for a couple of games. Lane 26, right on the end, out of the way and no passing traffic to distract us. Barry & Wendy turned up as arranged and the 6 of us had two leisurely games. Barry top scored with 148 in the first game, and I top scored the second with 161. A few drinks and good company made for a really enjoyable night out -- Thanks All!
Since posting the news on this Blog is my way of keeping in touch with friends and family it came as no surprise that my brother and sisters have to rung make sure I’m OK. Short of it is... I am. Life goes on and tomorrow being Monday will see me following my “Plan of Action”, which is basically a To Do list. Plus I’m going to be keeping a log of what I’ve done, who I’ve approached and responses received to keep the Government minders happy. I really can’t see the attraction of living off the social that so may inhabitants of this country seem to crave. I haven’t made my claim yet and the novelty has already worn off. How do those people think? How do they live? I really, truly do not understand.
Finally for tonight, I've been really encouraged by the contacts I've received. Not just those in the same boat as my now as a result of last week's events, but also, from those I've worked with in the past, who have moved on (mostly upwards) since leaving the Ancaster Group. To all of them, to all of you guys and gals, it was a pleasure to work with you then and it's a priviledge to know you now.
Friday 1 February 2008
Red Day +1
Boy was it wierd this morning! For the first time in my life I didn't have a job to go to. While still at school, and since the age of 14, I've always had a job. I could always make that choice to be "good" and go in (mostly) or not and stay away. But today was different, I didn't have that choice and it was weird, like empty, sort of.
So what of today...?
First thing I saw my next door neighbour as we put the bins out this morning, had a chat. 20mins later he's at the door with an email address for his son and says to send CV "just in case" - a nice way to start the day.
Telephoned local Citizens Advice Bureau - couldn't find number using Yell.com, got it from Google. Gave all the particulars requested and she phoned me back. Advised to phone Job Seeker line 0800 055 6688. Making and taking her call took up 30 minutes -- thanks Julie for being so patient and understanding.
Then I telephoned the Job Seeker line - the automated voice recognition is fun. It took 3 attempts to recognise my post code (must be the way I pronounce my words). In total that call was over an hour. They want your life history to prepare a statement, which they send you. This has to go with you, with requested evidence, to JS interview (mine is for 6th Feb at 11:40) and failure to attend means no payments. After the Job Seekers Allowance, just about everything is means tested so although they've got my details and I can prove that we can't get by on just Sue's money, if I don't get a job we will have to.
On the suggestion of Neil Dodson at Argos Business Services I emailed my CV to Modus -- after a bit of looking I found an email address here... Modus however, I've had an email from another victim of yesterday that suggests this may not be the right place so I'll follow that one up soon.
Took a phone call from Ian Mander (an old MidlandHR mate who I'd rung last night) who has turned up a short term Deputy Payroll Manager role that is up for grabs. The job is 3 months in York City Council paying "high £20k's" which is better than Job Seekers but I need more.
Got a nudge (via email) from Simon Swinburn at Leicester CC - there was a Technical Analyst role going there, which I sent round the group as it could well suit somebody else. If anybody was interested I hope that they were quick as it closed today.
Nearly forgot -- last night I spoke to another mate Pete who suffered the same fate with MidlandHR (a sister company) nearly 2 years ago. His boss has authorised him to advertise and fill a Project Manager role in 6-8 weeks time, so if I'm not sorted by then it's a strong candidate.
Right at the end of the day I got 2 encouraging phone calls. The first was from the ZEDA HR dept to say that somebody from Trinity Expert Systems was trying to contact me and would I be interested in ringing her back. I did, got her answerphone, left voice mail, then went to the "contact us" on the TESL web site and sent an email requesting they forward it to her, so fingers crossed!
Then my neighbour's lad Richard phone to say his boss had reviewed my CV and had a couple of questions, which I answered and hopefully I'll get a call to interview early next week.
And I find I'm getting loads of encouragement from my fellow Deauvilliers including PMs, emails, a phone call and a number of promising leads. So summing up at the end of Day 1 - an encouraging start, long way to go but no need to get down hearted.
Stiff upper lip! That's the spirit. And if you want to see what others are saying about it all have a look see... Nottingham Post
So what of today...?
First thing I saw my next door neighbour as we put the bins out this morning, had a chat. 20mins later he's at the door with an email address for his son and says to send CV "just in case" - a nice way to start the day.
Telephoned local Citizens Advice Bureau - couldn't find number using Yell.com, got it from Google. Gave all the particulars requested and she phoned me back. Advised to phone Job Seeker line 0800 055 6688. Making and taking her call took up 30 minutes -- thanks Julie for being so patient and understanding.
Then I telephoned the Job Seeker line - the automated voice recognition is fun. It took 3 attempts to recognise my post code (must be the way I pronounce my words). In total that call was over an hour. They want your life history to prepare a statement, which they send you. This has to go with you, with requested evidence, to JS interview (mine is for 6th Feb at 11:40) and failure to attend means no payments. After the Job Seekers Allowance, just about everything is means tested so although they've got my details and I can prove that we can't get by on just Sue's money, if I don't get a job we will have to.
On the suggestion of Neil Dodson at Argos Business Services I emailed my CV to Modus -- after a bit of looking I found an email address here... Modus however, I've had an email from another victim of yesterday that suggests this may not be the right place so I'll follow that one up soon.
Took a phone call from Ian Mander (an old MidlandHR mate who I'd rung last night) who has turned up a short term Deputy Payroll Manager role that is up for grabs. The job is 3 months in York City Council paying "high £20k's" which is better than Job Seekers but I need more.
Got a nudge (via email) from Simon Swinburn at Leicester CC - there was a Technical Analyst role going there, which I sent round the group as it could well suit somebody else. If anybody was interested I hope that they were quick as it closed today.
Nearly forgot -- last night I spoke to another mate Pete who suffered the same fate with MidlandHR (a sister company) nearly 2 years ago. His boss has authorised him to advertise and fill a Project Manager role in 6-8 weeks time, so if I'm not sorted by then it's a strong candidate.
Right at the end of the day I got 2 encouraging phone calls. The first was from the ZEDA HR dept to say that somebody from Trinity Expert Systems was trying to contact me and would I be interested in ringing her back. I did, got her answerphone, left voice mail, then went to the "contact us" on the TESL web site and sent an email requesting they forward it to her, so fingers crossed!
Then my neighbour's lad Richard phone to say his boss had reviewed my CV and had a couple of questions, which I answered and hopefully I'll get a call to interview early next week.
And I find I'm getting loads of encouragement from my fellow Deauvilliers including PMs, emails, a phone call and a number of promising leads. So summing up at the end of Day 1 - an encouraging start, long way to go but no need to get down hearted.
Stiff upper lip! That's the spirit. And if you want to see what others are saying about it all have a look see... Nottingham Post
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