My co-workers seem resentful I’m not affected by our company laying off staff
West Ham United star apprentice and vice-chairman Karen Brady answers your career questions, and try our money-saving tips.
Here, she gives a reader advice on the difficulties of feeling resentful when entering a company that is going through a consulting period.
1
Q) I recently joined a new company and only now learned that it is going through a consultation period which will result in some people being fired, although my role is not affected.
I probably wouldn’t have joined the firm if I had known they were planning to downsize, but more importantly, I feel that my colleagues don’t like me being hired at such an uncertain time because they didn’t not been very welcoming.
I understand that they are more concerned about the insecurity of their own future, but it was a rough start for me too.
Do you have any advice on how to get along better with my new colleagues?
Jane, by e-mail
A) It’s a tough situation, but your biggest advantage here is that you can be honest and transparent with your colleagues.
You didn’t know there would be layoffs when you joined, so this is as much of a shock to you as it is to them.
Be yourself and don’t be afraid of conversations, or your colleagues might think you have something to hide.
Be friendly, but don’t avoid what’s going on. If appropriate, say something like, “I’m sorry you’re going through the stress of possible layoff, it must be such a worrying time. This is very troubling for everyone, and I had no idea what the situation was before joining, but if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.
This way you show that you were unaware, while showing compassion.
The most important thing for you, however, is to do your job successfully.
Be patient and conscientious with people in the office, but don’t let your work suffer because of it.
5 ways to save on… Filling up your car
From loyalty cards to new driving tips, The sunSophie King, consumer journalist, explains how to drive your car more cheaply.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Gasoline prices vary by forecourt, so use a comparison tool to find the cheapest near you.
Visit Petrolprices.com to see which station could save you money.
The amount will vary depending on what car you own and where you fill it up, but according to the website comparing prices could save some drivers £220 a year.
DRIVING EFFICIENTLY
The better your car runs, the less you will pay to drive it.
Inflate your tires to the correct pressure and get rid of any extra weight because the heavier your car, the more fuel it will consume.
For example, according to Cargurus.co.uk, roof bars left on a vehicle not only add unnecessary weight, they also change the aerodynamics of the car, and the increased wind resistance can inflate your fuel bill by as much as you can. around 10 %.
AVOID PREMIUM PETROL
Drivers sometimes opt for super unleaded over standard fuel.
It’s more expensive and chances are you won’t need it unless you have a capable car.
On average, premium fuel costs 10p more per litre, so if you’re refueling a 55-litre family car you could be paying an extra £5.50 unnecessarily.
USE LOYALTY PROGRAMS
Supermarket loyalty programs will save you money on fuel.
At a Tesco petrol station you can collect 1 point on your Tesco Clubcard for every £2 spent on fuel, or collect 1 point for every £3 spent at an Esso petrol station.
You will receive a £1.50 voucher for every 150 points collected. Esso has partnered with Nectar, where you can get 5p off a liter when you redeem 300 Nectar Points – you get one point for every qualifying £1 spent at Sainsbury’s.
Similarly, Shell Go+ customers are eligible for a fuel discount for every 10 visits.
Discounts vary, but shoppers can get around 3% off their fuel purchase, so if you spend £60 you’ll get £1.80 off.
SHARE THE ELEVATORS
Join friends and family and share the cost of your commute to work or school.
Ask your workplace if there’s a carpool group you can join, or download the free GoCarShare and Liftshare apps and locate other drivers to partner with on your rides.
Liftshare claims its users save an average of £1,000 a year.
the-sun
