Mart's Scrapheap Challenge

[MartDude]

I was put on short time on Monday - 2-3 days per week for the foreseeable. Then I was told that I should think about alternative employment in the not-too-distant future, as I'm considered to be too old and knackered to carry out my job effectively (arthritis in knees & feet, RSI's in elbows and wrists, 3 fractured vertebrae, 6 damaged/worn discs, partial deafness).

The challenge is - find a job for a half-f**ked 56-year old ex-archaeologist, ex-courier, ex- museum curator, soon-to-be -ex-joiner.

How much do sperm donors get these days? That bit still works.

[mangocrazy]

Very sorry to hear that, Mart. While I imagine it's debatable you'd want to stay somewhere that treats you as disposably as your current employer has, I suggest you look into employment law and how it relates to your circumstances (I'm sure you're going to do this anyway, but...)

If the worst comes to the worst, why not go freelance in your current line of business?

[D-Rider]

Very sorry to hear that Mart - hope something suitable turns up.

BTW ....

Then I was told that I should think about alternative employment in the not-too-distant future, as I'm considered to be too old

...... contravenes the fairly recent age discrimination regulations.
Might have grounds for unfair dismissal if you have evidence of this.

Obviously if you want to go down that route, consult with someone who is more expert than me .... I'm not competent to advise.

[Aladinsaneuk]

am sorry mart :(

but what kind of joiner? may be do some work for folk on the quiet?

[HowardQ]

Really sorry to hear about the job Mart, I am older than you have also had arthritis for years, but luckily for me, still in work. You have obviously had experience in quite a few areas, so I hope this helps you find something quickly. Sometimes it is just better to take what you can get initially, so things don't get you down. Hope something comes up and keep getting out on the bike occasionally to keep your spirits up mate.

[joecrx]

sorry to hear this , but i dont know how long you have been with the company , but i think if they offer you redundancy it is based on the last 10 weeks pay , better watch their not pulling a fly one

[BikerGran]

Sorry to hear this - I keep waiting for it to happen to me as I can't type as fast as I used to.

Although they can't do it on the grounds of age, unfortunately there is something called 'Capability' which means if they decide you can't do the job they can sling you out.

I suppose you could fight it but if you're battling with arthritis etc etc, I don't suppose it's worth expending the energy.

[MartDude]

Thanks for your comments, chaps & chappess - I do appreciate them. I must, however, put a couple of things straight.

My employer - a regular customer - bought my business from me just over 2 years ago; it was going down the pan, in large part due to my health issues. Initially I was to stay for 3 months, but I'm still there. I'm surprised, and gratified, that they've kept me this long, as my knackeredness has become increasingly evident to all in that time. They'd like me stay, on 'light duties' - setting machines, marking-out etc - on a part-time basis, but I must admit I wouldn't be good value for money a a full-time employee - I'm not able to 'pull my weight'. Also, work is rather thin on the ground, and I can understand that scenario - I had to lay staff off twice in the 12 years of my ownership.

I don't think age discrimination is really an issue here - one of my part-time colleagues is 69; I think it was an off-the cuff remark - I've known these guys - a small family building business - for 10 years, drink with them, etc etc. As far as a customer or employer can be, they're friends. But business is business.

I think my body's telling me it's time to move on - done it beforre. I've spent this evening talking to a couple of friends with experience in this field - I think I'll look into TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) - still quite a demand for it, so I'm told. And I don't think I've got the stamina to try couriering again. But any other suggestions - serious or otherwise - are welcome!

Thanks, mates

[MartDude]

am sorry mart :(

but what kind of joiner? may be do some work for folk on the quiet?

Thanks, but no, thanks; I work with big ugly machines with lots of sharp rotating knives - never been into hand jobs if there's an alternative.

[HisNibbs]

At least it reads like old age brings some wisdom....... Do not go back to despatching! That is one hard way to make a living.

[Firestarter]

I'm considered to be too old and knackered to carry out my job effectively (arthritis in knees & feet, RSI's in elbows and wrists, 3 fractured vertebrae, 6 damaged/worn discs, partial deafness).

How much do sperm donors get these days? That bit still works.

I don't think becoming a full-time donor would do your RSI much good... you'd need to enlist an "employee" to assist, which would cut into your margin, but in balance might help speed up production

[Nooj]

... I'm surprised, and gratified, that they've kept me this long, as my knackeredness has become increasingly evident to all in that time ... but I must admit I wouldn't be good value for money a a full-time employee - I'm not able to 'pull my weight'. Also, work is rather thin on the ground, and I can understand that scenario - I had to lay staff off twice in the 12 years of my ownership ...

Why don't they promote you? You sound like an ideal candidate for a roll in management