Work in general

[peakey]

Sorry to bring up work again. Was just wondering if anyone has little work on at the mo. Been talking to a lot of people in the local and everyone seems to be dead at the mo. We may be shutting up shop next week as we have no orders in the pipeline. Problem is iv been in the same job since school so all i can do is weld. Looking in the paper theres only office work around and im not a suit office person.

[elton]

Most of the work around these parts are taken up by Polish workers who are apparently really cheap. Nothing against poles but theres been one hell of an influx of them since the pipeline started and it hasn't stopped even though the pipeline, for the most part, has nearly finished.
Other than that, it's nearly all office work with some retail as well.

[Analoguesat]

The Poles dont mind working for lower wages as is far more than they would earn at home. They are happy doing many of the jobs that British workers dont want to do due to low wages.

This immigration is interesting as half the Eastern European workers who have moved here in recent years havent stayed - they have gone home after earning the money.

[brian]

peakey, what sort of work are you finding is slowing down? It sounds like you're running a business, but in what area?

As for Poles - so far as I understand it, they are simply applying for jobs which a lot of Brits can't be bothered to do. After all, where's the point in doing a hard day's work when you can just cash a giro and hang out at the off licence?

[elton]

The pipeline I mentioned is the Pembroke Dock to Gloucester gas pipeline that criss-crossed the whole of South Wales. The impact (and the unbelievable wages being paid) took out many of the local work force. People were chucking jobs to become security on the pipeline. Wages were circa £200 per day for traffic controllers plus hefty bonuses if you completed 6 days straight. It was incredible to see some people on long term sick and some who had never ever worked become miraculously cured. Now the work has dried up the poor souls have gotten their bad backs again (no doubt doing so much hard work on the pipeline) and are once more on sickness benefits.

However, the impact of so many 'workers' leaving traditional work like building, to join the pipeline meant that there was an influx of overseas workers (predominantly Polish) that now appear to have settled here - albeit without their families who remain overseas. And yes, I believe the wages have dropped considerably for these.

[wasp11]

Peakey,
I am a heating engineer [pipe fitter/gas welder] by trade, but for the last 10 years myself and my brother went self employed and moved into aircon pipework installation. So far the poles hav'nt hit our trade too hard. Try a change of direction. Ive had a few bad times lately, but things have picked up. Good luck mate, and chin up