Sandra was worried, very worried. The spectre of redundancy struck her like a dagger.
Married only 6 months and already finances were being stretched. Mark was being offered only basic money which was why Sandra's income was so important. If that supply was to dry up... the consequences had Sandra crying into her paper tissues.
The confirmation arrived at the beginning of November, barely 8 weeks before Christmas. "Owing to a recession in the textile business the Company is having to lay off workers. Personnel Officers will be talking to staff but Company policy is that the most recent recruits will be released first unless such a release would significantly impact the Company's ability to deliver."
There it was in black and white. The letter she had hoped would never arrive.
She had only been working for 11 months what chance did she have of keeping her job or indeed finding another job in this town, where unemployment was already high. Twenty years old, married 6 months with a mortgage to pay what on earth was she going to do?
When she clocked in at work on the Monday there was an envelope in her clock card slot. Mr. Fellows would be interviewing her on Tuesday to discuss her position. She knew that the interview was a mere formality, she was heading for redundancy and could not expect a very big financial payout.
At nine o'clock Mr. Fellows met her in Personnel Reception. "Good morning Sandra, nice to see you are as punctual as always. That's one thing we've noticed in the short time you have been with us, you are never late for work and never in a rush to clock off at night. A true asset to the Company. Why don't you come through to the office. With a kindly arm around her back he ushered her into the Personnel Office.
"As you know Sandra, we are interviewing a number of staff to determine who the Company will make redundant. The policy is last in first out but that does not necessarily have to be the case. If we think that someone can be valuable to the Company then we will recommend that their services be retained. Our conversations as you will appreciate, are strictly confidential. Do you understand this Sandra?
"Yes Mr. Fellows, of course" her mind already sensing that perhaps it was not a foregone conclusion that she would be made redundant. What could she say to support her case for retention, her mind was in a whirl.
Mr. Fellows was standing right behind my chair. "Good" he said "do you want to keep your job Sandra or will the redundancy money come in useful?"
"I need my job Mr. Fellows. I will do anything I can to keep it."
"I'm pleased you are so co-operative Sandra this is exactly the type of person we are looking to keep in the Company. Now why don't you stand up so I can make a judgment as to how co-operative I think you will be. Why don't we start with your blouse, take it off."
"What!! I couldn't, I'm married" she said. "I have a husband."