Working for the council/local housing assosication.

[Matt0029]

Think i heard similar that the council job wasn't quiet as relaxed as it once was.

Those timescales are long gone down this way. Last I done it was 30 mins a service.
It does tho depend on contract and supervisors

 

[Matt0029]

The pension is a big draw. I will go for an interview and see what is said.

 

[firemant]

The pension is a big draw. I will go for an interview and see what is said.

Matt. Have a look. I can take as long as I want on any job. I have done this for 2 1/2 years, and I don't think I have been criticised once over time. Obviously, different councils will have varying attitudes.

Try to speak to some lads who will be your direct colleagues - hang around outside the depot and catch a few on their way out - I know most of my colleagues would be happy to talk.

My salary actually does include about £4K multi skill, which you have to "prove", but it is basic stuff - although they don't pay it for 6 months after starting.

I can still earn quite a bit on privates, but I really can't be bothered in this weather.

Matt, where roughly are you?

 

[Matt0029]

In Yorkshire I live in Halifax but the council in question is Bradford.

 

[firemant]

In Yorkshire I live in Halifax but the council in question is Bradford.

Just wondered, as they have been recruiting here

 

[sammathias]

You guys that do this HA stuff, do you find a lot of people are still in bed when you get there?

That can be a problem or if lucky they still up from partying for 3 days straight.

 

[firemant]

That can be a problem or if lucky they still up from partying for 3 days straight.

Been reading the Fail again ?

 

[Matt0029]

So I know your contracted to say 37 hours, but what happens if your on a job and you have to work over that evening to get it completed?

 

[wiggers]

I also work for housing assoc (ten years) I love the work,
Great hours 35 hr week all the good perks that go with it.
The only downside is the time given to jobs they try to cram as much as they can into your day so this can be frustrating
But I wouldn’t work anywhere else.

 

[firemant]

So I know your contracted to say 37 hours, but what happens if your on a job and you have to work over that evening to get it completed?

Weirdly, yesterday was the first-time I had this for well over a year. If anew rad and run, but the cold feed was blocked at the air sepererator. I cut, cleared and refitted then had a leak on the pump valve that I must have disturbed. Sorted that. Then the pump screamed like hell when fired up. I assume some crud had gone in. I don't do repairs so had no pump to change. Told tenant to leave it running if he can stand the noise, and showed him how to turn off if required.

All was good this morning. To my surprise!

I was 25 minutes late, but will finish early today. They will not pay at overtime unless planned. Bit annoying, but no Biggie when other benefits considered.

If I was if a mind, I would have been entitled to leave job ( even more) incomplete.

 

[Matt0029]

Thanks for the insight firemant. Air separater, most of been an old system. Guess there's loads of old vented hot water/central heating systems in council houses?

 

[Matt0029]

Must be an in depth interview 1 hour they state. I will look forward to a grilling!

 

[firemant]

Thanks for the insight firemant. Air separater, most of been an old system. Guess there's loads of old vented hot water/central heating systems in council houses?

Again, will vary from LA to LA. About 4 years ago, I did some contracting work in a neighbouring town. LOADS of old boilers with air seps, quite a few BB's as well. Slowly being replaced by combis. They also had a LOT of gas fires (Rob Willeys).

Here, they have removed all gas fires, and there are only a handful of BB's, but only where tenants refuse an upgrade. All BF's and OF's are replaced when the house is void. Most conventional boilers have been fitted / converted to pressurised.

I had forgotten how long it takes to refill a header tanked system!

Good luck with your interview.

 

[Matt0029]

Thank you. And that's without dealing with an air lock! Remember when doing my apprenticeship helping back fill a few of the mains.

 

[djchristoff]

I worked for a council years ago through an agency. 8 to 4:30 Monday to Thursday and 1 o clock finish on Friday. Easy work, kitchens (inc. gas point for cooker) and bathrooms as well as some rads. Boiler work was all contracted out. I did planned maintenance and repairs, voids as well as call outs. Every job had a set number of minutes (AM’s (actual munuites)) but you just got it done in the time it took. If you did it quicker you could get bonus but it wasn’t that much. Sparkys and plumbers were on the most. I knew guys (and gals) that joined the council for the pension and other benefits once they’d had enough of being self employed. Most houses were sh*tholes, wipe your feet on the way out. I put dust sheets down to keep me clean. Older tenants looked after there houses.

 

[Matt0029]

I'm 30 so if I go to the council would be quiet a long time on maintenance, but guess the pension would be good if stayed till 60.

 

[djchristoff]

The council I worked for gave you extra holiday entertainment once you'd been there a few years, plus sick pay etc...