[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

Would you like to directly share what the actual point is that you are trying to make, if indeed there is one?

Instead of seeking out opportunities to denigrate others at every opportunity, perhaps you ought to think about leading by example in keeping this thread on track?

I thought it prudent to point out that this post was a response to a rude off topic post that has been removed, just in case anybody thought I was referring to them and it caused any trouble.

---------- Post added at 17:32 ---------- Previous post was at 17:22 ----------

Originally Posted by Russ

Let's get one thing straight, if the team wanted you off CF all it would take is the click of a button. But that's not how it works around here. You are welcome to post here.

I had no idea you were disabled but it makes absolutely zero difference. Your posts in this thread have been most unhelpful and disrespectful.

Thank you, although I disagree that I have been unhelpful and disrespectful. Being unhelpful and disrespectful should not be confused with not sharing any point of view that I may hold.

I have shared pertinent information that I believe may be of help to any VM staff affected, even to the point of inviting any who wish to do so to privately contact me for help.

Originally Posted by Russ

When we need new Team members, we'll advertise for them.

I have no time or desire to become a member of the CF team. I was merely politely requesting that we keep on topic for the benefit of all. I do not need to be a member of the CF team to request this.

Originally Posted by Russ

Whilst our numerous VM contacts know nothing about it.

It is not clear what point you are trying to make here.

Originally Posted by Russ

When any further news about the closure becomes available (from trusted, verifiable sources naturally) it will be posted here.

Excellent, I am sure that those affected appreciate this

---------- Post added at 17:34 ---------- Previous post was at 17:32 ----------

Originally Posted by Chris

I have just removed some unpleasant off-topic postings. Please respect the topic and respect each other, difficult though the subject may be.

Wise words Chris, and thank you

---------- Post added at 17:44 ---------- Previous post was at 17:34 ----------

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

I think the best thing that we can do is to rise above the minority of individuals who wish to disrupt this thread with their off topic negativity and spite, so that we can concentrate on the relevant issues instead.

@ DF, thanks for that, it was interesting to watch. I wonder if/hope that this intervention by those in the political arena will do anything to help.

Breaking news, further to my previous post that I thought that the Govt would be freezing benefits next year, they will now be uprated with the CPI. (They had been urged not to uprate benefits at a time when people in work are facing pay freezes* or pay cuts.)

*In my own company we have again had to freeze pay, apart from some people who will receive an extra 8p an hour.

This means that those unfortunate enough to be made redundant, who haven't found another job by next April, will now receive an increase in benefits by about 5%*, so that they keep pace with their spending power.

*Does not apply to some Tax Credits.

For completeness, I should add that the current Government has decided to freeze Child Benefit for basic rate taxpayers. For 40% taxpayers, any amount claimed will be clawed back. So why bother claiming, you may well ask? It is important to do so as this could potentially affect the State Retirement Pension of higher rate taxpayers. This is likely to disproportionality affect women.

There are some measures that staff can take now to minimise the impact of redundancy.