Postman loses job after signing for a parcel to help frail customer

A postman reportedly lost his job after signing for a parcel to help a frail customer.

Royal Mail bosses took disciplinary action after the pensioner called his managers to thank him for his kindness!

The postman is reported to have put his signature to the recorded delivery when a parcel firm arrived on the doorstep as he made his own rounds.

Concerned that the elderly householder would have to trek to the sorting office to collect the parcel when she got home, he signed for her.

After disciplinary action was taken the postman was signed off work with stress and subsequently retired on the grounds of ill health.

The case was one of several cited during a parliamentary debate by Liberal Democrat MP John Pugh.

Postal workers came in for some harsh criticism during last year's strike - but this case shows that they may have good reason to be angry with their bosses.

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Why bother working when children of better-off parents are banned from school trips?

Why bother working when children of better-off parents are banned from school trips?
Thursday 28th January 2010

By Mike Jones

Schoolchildren have been barred from trips to a safari park, football ground and indoor ski centre because their parents are too well-off.

Instead, under a Government-funded scheme, being trialled across Trafford Council in Greater Manchester, the trips are open only to children who receive free school meals because their parents are on benefits.

This has led to accusations that some parents are being penalised for working as children were banned even when they were willing to pay.

While disadvantaged children should be helped whenever possible what kind of message does this type of initiative send out to the hard-working parents this Government supposedly stands up for?

Instead of tackling real inequality surely such initiatives do nothing but perpetuate this country's growing "Shameless" culture. Do you agree? Tell us your views using the comment section below

6-month paternity leave plan - that'll rescue the UK economy

Thursday 28th January 2010

By Mike Jones

Women are already entitled to a year's maternity leave - now their other halves will be able to get six months off under plans to improve fathers' rights.

Ministers are understood to be pushing ahead with the plan after it was delayed because of the economic downturn.

But with our economic recovery already delicately poised, what impact is this likely to have (aside from deferring thousands from appearing on the dole figures?) Tell us what you think using the comment section below

When did blowing your nose become a criminal offence?

When did blowing your nose become a criminal offence?

Thursday 28th January 2010

By Mike Jones

A man is reported to be facing a criminal trial after he was caught blowing his nose behind the wheel of his car.

He was given a £60 fixed penalty notice after a policeman decided he was "not in control of his vehicle" when he wiped his nose with a tissue.

But the father-of-two told the Daily Record newspaper that he had "made sure it was safe" to blow his nose before taking his hands off the wheel.

He claimed he was in stationary traffic and had put his handbrake on when he committed the alleged offence in October last year.

When did blowing your nose become a criminal offence? Have your say using the comment section below