The grumpy thread

[vulgalour]

@tetley: Having a good work ethic is one thing, but having a job that pays enough to cover things like exhorbitant car insurance and fuel costs is quite another. So while any and all suggestions of jobs are welcome, the majority of suggestions I've had here and in other places are outside of my commuting circle. For reference, I consider my commuting circle to be within 60 minutes of home because further afield than that I'm looking at incurring expenses I cannot meet on a NMW paying job.

 

Just got to keep looking and hoping someone replies to one of my myriad applications with some paying work, though with it now being Easter Bank Holiday - and what's with companies regularly taking Friday to Tuesday off no whenever it's a Bank Holiday? - finding anyone around to deal with applications and queries is going to have to wait a bit longer... and then there's the fact that hardly anyone employs this close to the end of the tax year so I'm not holding out any hope of finding anything until mid-April at the very earliest... and then there's all the other Bank Holidays to come.

 

Job hunting is always a shitter because it's generally one of those things that generates a lot of expense - getting to and from interviews - and disappointment when they're the two things you're least well equipped to soak up. I think that's why so many of us come on here and moan and groan about it, it's such a ballache trying to get anything when the demand far outstrips the supply.

[Lankytim]

They are going to be recruiting warehouse staff at my place in Sandbach soon.

[Tetleysmooth]

They are going to be recruiting warehouse staff at my place in Sandbach soon.

 

Maybe a new thread is required = Job Slot or something similar.

It could be very handy for people who have lost, or are about to lose their jobs, to have a place on here where they could look for possible job opportunities.

Gotta be better than going to the jobcentre

[Mr_Bo11ox]

I went in the Nottingham DVLA office on Friday. The place was RAMMED with folk sorting out their car shiz. All the desks were full and they had 2 or 3 staff members 'cruising' the waiting area checking if everyone had their papers in order so they didnt end up queing up for nowt. They sort out some reasonably complicated shiz in there:

 

'Ive just got married and want to change the name on my licence"

"I want to register a car i've imported"

"I need to tax a car with no logbook or green slip"

"I want to take my personal reg plate off my car before I sell it"

 

They knew exactly what bits of paper were needed for each job and dealt with everyone mega quickly, I was well impressed. Whoever has decided to shut all these place down needs to be shot in the face.

[Tetleysmooth]

I went in the Nottingham DVLA office on Friday. The place was RAMMED with folk sorting out their car shiz. All the desks were full and they had 2 or 3 staff members 'cruising' the waiting area checking if everyone had their papers in order so they didnt end up queing up for nowt. They sort out some reasonably complicated shiz in there:

 

'Ive just got married and want to change the name on my licence"

"I want to register a car i've imported"

"I need to tax a car with no logbook or green slip"

"I want to take my personal reg plate off my car before I sell it"

 

They knew exactly what bits of paper were needed for each job and dealt with everyone mega quickly, I was well impressed. Whoever has decided to shut all these place down needs to be shot in the face.

 

Yeah, I had to go to Sidcup local office to change the Voyager from disabled to plg. I too was impressed. Ultra quick turnaround.

[bub2006]

Angul on a serious note have you considered delivery driving for local takeaway cash in hand? I have done it before and got a fiver per hour and a quid per delivery. I no its below min wage but times are hard mate. I rarely went more than two miles from base and did approx 2/3 drops per hour. I took home around 180/200 cash and about 80 in fuel from deliverys. Worthwhile if you need to keep your head afloat and have a reasonable area knowledge and economical car

[Cavcraft]

+2 on the DVLA.

 

Our local office could be officious at times but they are ace at their job and even when they pretty much knew I'd accidentally forged a signature once, they weren't arsed enough to harass me about it.

[vulgalour]

@bub: I have considered this route. The risks outweigh the financial benefit. Much more chance of my car being broken through the nature of the work or by other road users than I'd like. My insurance - because I would have to inform them, you know what would happen if I didn't - would sky rocket instantly as any drivers are viewed as high risk. The pay is abysmal, often working out at around £3-4 per hour because you're responsible for all your own expenses, which is probably why delivery drivers and their cars look the way they do... there's a line at which a job is too shit and I think takeaway delivery driving is under that line. There's also the fact I'm rubbish at any sort of driving job and frequently get lost even with a Sat Nav and map books. If I delivered your Pizza it would arrive late, cold, and smelling faintly of chips.

 

Still, in happier news, first thing Tuesday I've got to call a local agency about a machine operative vacancy that's within walking distance of what I currently call home. Morning shift, NMW, and a straight forward job. Could be just the ticket since no experience is required, which is useful as I have no experience in this field.

[RedSparrow]

Must've slept in an odd position as I have massive shooting pains in my neck and can hardly move my head. Took someone else's prescription codine and it has had no effect apart from making me feel slightly high.

It would be typical if this ruined my bank holiday weekend.

[bub2006]

Ive always had class 1 cover,using car for different places and made no difference on cost. I had to in care work. I always keep my car looking smart regardless or at least try to but i understand where you are coming from. My reliant has done takeaway and care house to house,in 6 months ofownership i have done 11k and had no issues

[freebird]

@bub: I have considered this route. The risks outweigh the financial benefit. Much more chance of my car being broken through the nature of the work or by other road users than I'd like. My insurance - because I would have to inform them, you know what would happen if I didn't - would sky rocket instantly as any drivers are viewed as high risk. The pay is abysmal, often working out at around £3-4 per hour because you're responsible for all your own expenses, which is probably why delivery drivers and their cars look the way they do... there's a line at which a job is too shit and I think takeaway delivery driving is under that line. There's also the fact I'm rubbish at any sort of driving job and frequently get lost even with a Sat Nav and map books. If I delivered your Pizza it would arrive late, cold, and smelling faintly of chips.

 

Still, in happier news, first thing Tuesday I've got to call a local agency about a machine operative vacancy that's within walking distance of what I currently call home. Morning shift, NMW, and a straight forward job. Could be just the ticket since no experience is required, which is useful as I have no experience in this field.

Never mind the car.

Im quite suprised that your first thoughts didnt pertain to the idea of having somebody trying to kick seven bags of shit out of you for the evenings takings.

Delivery driving for a takeaway is only marginally safer than driving through Brixton dressed as a member of the Klu klux Klan.

I think you have to have very big and heavy bollocks to do it.

[Akron]

VA Macclesfield are looking for Postmen, sign up to Royal Mail jobs and get email alerts whenever jobs come up.

[vulgalour]

I used to work for RM years ago, I did sign up to their alert site but I think I signed off it again when I was last in employment. I'll try for the mailman stuff, but a hernia op and a bust knee ligament last year might make them not want me, we shall see.

[bub2006]

Ive never felt unsafe freebird. I am only 6 foot and about 15 stone with average size bollocks! And i drive a 3 wheeler

[M'coli]

I used to work for RM years ago, I did sign up to their alert site but I think I signed off it again when I was last in employment. I'll try for the mailman stuff, but a hernia op and a bust knee ligament last year might make them not want me, we shall see.

http://www.angardstaffing.co.uk/ is the RM's new agency for casual work - and there's usually plenty going on at Leeds Mail Centre, just off the M1. Pay is ordinary for the first 12 weeks, but after that it jumps up by at least £3/hour...

[shedvan]

@bub: I have considered this route. The risks outweigh the financial benefit. Much more chance of my car being broken through the nature of the work or by other road users than I'd like. My insurance - because I would have to inform them, you know what would happen if I didn't - would sky rocket instantly as any drivers are viewed as high risk. The pay is abysmal, often working out at around £3-4 per hour because you're responsible for all your own expenses, which is probably why delivery drivers and their cars look the way they do... there's a line at which a job is too shit and I think takeaway delivery driving is under that line. There's also the fact I'm rubbish at any sort of driving job and frequently get lost even with a Sat Nav and map books. If I delivered your Pizza it would arrive late, cold, and smelling faintly of chips.

 

Still, in happier news, first thing Tuesday I've got to call a local agency about a machine operative vacancy that's within walking distance of what I currently call home. Morning shift, NMW, and a straight forward job. Could be just the ticket since no experience is required, which is useful as I have no experience in this field.

Never mind the car.

Im quite suprised that your first thoughts didnt pertain to the idea of having somebody trying to kick seven bags of shit out of you for the evenings takings.

Delivery driving for a takeaway is only marginally safer than driving through Brixton dressed as a member of the Klu klux Klan.

I think you have to have very big and heavy bollocks to do it.

 

I think the danger element of delivery driving is hysterically exaggerated, drivers never carry more than £20-30 in change which hardly makes you a target for some wannabe Brinks Matt crew, if your are comfortable braving the fiends with a mobile phone on the hip than I think you'll be cool

 

I think the more pertinent concern is defo the running cost if you have to use your own motor, topping up the tank for one but more is the insurance (if you're going to be straight about it which of course we all would be). If you find an opening where you're using their car then I think its not too bad, but then I think those kind of outfits may be rarities these days.

[freebird]

Ive never felt unsafe freebird. I am only 6 foot and about 15 stone with average size bollocks! And i drive a 3 wheeler

If you are delivering takeaways in a three wheeler, not only do you have the biggest pair of hairy bollocks imaginable, you are also the definition of "cool".

Sir, I bow to you.

[bub2006]

Why thank you good man. My three wheeler is my daily driver,works van,snow rescue vehicle when wife gets stuck,taxi and anything else i ask of it. 6 months ownership and done 11k in it. Never failed except for a snapped fan belt so cant complain really

[Lord Sterling]

Bloody Micra

 

Today I thought it would be a good idea to fit a Silver climate control/stereo fascia to replace the original Black one.

 

Original:

 

Silver one:

 

I thought this would be a simple job, half an hour at the most? Bollox was it. It took almost 2 hours all because the sodding cigar lighter thing had to be rewired because I'd removed a wire I didn't think worked which had a broken off spade connector, I didn't know which wire went where and of course I had to pop to the shops which I could have done without.

 

In the end I found which connector was supposed to make it work after blowing 2 fuses and replaced the original Black fascia.

 

I didn't even manage to find the right-hand side tweeter connector either as the wires disappear into a large wrap of other wires which disappear somewhere near the top of the dash. I suspect it'll be a dash out job to get this bloody thing found.

[Wilko220]

This is rather disappointing:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21852133

[philibusmo]

I attempted to siphon some fuel from the Orion today as it is on eBay and still have half a tank of fuel in it. If this was going to a shitter I wouldn't mind, but as it seems likely it is going to an eBay mong, I am being extra stingy. Getting it out of the tank the usual way, through the filler neck was useless, as no matter how hard I tried, I could not get more than a dribble from the length of hose pipe, and the occasional mouth full of petrol.

I am now doing petrol burps which are fucking horrible, and I daren't smoke in case I explode into a fireball from the inside out.

 

I ended up disconnecting the pipe, just after the fuel pump and putting it into a jerry can, then just cranking the car over in short bursts with the accelerator flat down to fill it up. Worked quite well actually and I managed to nab about 10 liters out of it. Good test to show it has a strong battery and starter motor, which it has passed with flying colours.

[Pillock]

 

I think the more pertinent concern is defo the running cost if you have to use your own motor, topping up the tank for one but more is the insurance (if you're going to be straight about it which of course we all would be). If you find an opening where you're using their car then I think its not too bad, but then I think those kind of outfits may be rarities these days.

 

Adding business use to my car insurance took it from £275 to £282 for 10 months, hardly broke the bank. I think a bigger issue is that if you have a classic policy, many just won't allow business use at all. Footman James wouldn't entertain the idea (although perhaps I was already pushing it with a Mk3 Golf on a classic covernote)

[shedvan]

 

I think the more pertinent concern is defo the running cost if you have to use your own motor, topping up the tank for one but more is the insurance (if you're going to be straight about it which of course we all would be). If you find an opening where you're using their car then I think its not too bad, but then I think those kind of outfits may be rarities these days.

 

Adding business use to my car insurance took it from £275 to £282 for 10 months, hardly broke the bank. I think a bigger issue is that if you have a classic policy, many just won't allow business use at all. Footman James wouldn't entertain the idea (although perhaps I was already pushing it with a Mk3 Golf on a classic covernote)

 

That seems pretty fair tbh, somehow I seem to always be reamed on insurance to begin with which gives me a 'hide under the duvet' attitude to fiddling with it.

[Pillock]

That seems pretty fair tbh, somehow I seem to always be reamed on insurance to begin with which gives me a 'hide under the duvet' attitude to fiddling with it.

 

I don't know how widespread it is but after a mate had a shunt on the motorway the police made a point of asking what he was doing, where he was travelling from and to - apparently as part of a crackdown on "underinsured" drivers. If they decide you're using your car for business they'll write it into the report and you'll get proper reamed by the insurers if you're SDP&C only. Some can even be funny about what is commuting and what is business - commuting can be "single place of work", so if your company has two sites you're stuffed.

[skattrd]

I added class 1 business use to my FJ multi-car policy a few years back - it cost me nothing to add it.

[vulgalour]

I think you're as fortunate with your insurance as I am unfortunate. Can't seem to get a break, but I'm hoping this year's renewal will be different as I'll have the magical 2 year NCB and driving experience. Paying three figures a year would be far more palatable than the current four figure sum.

[retrogeezer]

This is rather disappointing:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21852133

 

Yes, especially as they recently got nearly £2million from the government (taxpayer!) to create more jobs!

[Cavcraft]

Tesco bastarding internet.

 

After years of service varying between bloody good and piss poor, I've finally had enough. Can anyone recommend a good provider, please? DEFO not Tiscali (they're shit) and preferably one that won't want to send me some shitty modem through the post!

[bub2006]

Ive used bt for last two years since moving into the house and had no problems. Unlimited calls on landline,unlimited net and bt vision for 30 quid a month. Admittedly bt vision is little more than freeview with films but its in bedroom so not too bothered.

[eddyramrod]

I used BT before we left the country, and when we came back, signed with Tesco. As I think is well-known here, that was a mahoosive mistake on my part. Fucking useless would be a kind description of them and their so-called service. BT wasn't brilliant but it could have been worse. Now I know how.