Rather than claim benefits, I’m doing some casual work for the Royal Mail in their local sorting office. I can’t say that I like it as it is tedious work and it makes my back ache, but it’s better than the jobseeker’s allowance…
Now, a gripe if I may…
When you address letters, it is a good idea to put the proper address on the envelope. I realise that this sounds obvious, but my experience during the past few days suggests that it clearly isn’t obvious to a great many people who probably shouldn’t be let out unsupervised. Putting the post code on would be ideal, but failing that, a district a the very least. “XYZ Street, Bristol” doesn’t cut it. Not everyone working on the sorting frame has an encyclopedic knowledge of the city. So, the letter or card will not reach its destination, unless you get lucky and the sorter happens to know where XYZ street is. Although “Santa Claus, North Pole” seems to manage okay.
If, like me, your handwriting is appalling, don’t handwrite the envelope. Use block capitals, preferably large enough to read. If you have chosen a card with a red envelope (or other garish colour), try using an ink that stands out from the background colour. And, if you’re one of those people who thinks that silver ink is all nice and Christmassy, please try to avoid the temptation to use it on silver envelopes…
In short, clear, legible complete addresses will get to their destination. Otherwise, they won’t. Please be aware that sorting staff do not do thought transference, nor are they masters in the art of magic.
Okay, as you were.
“When you address letters, it is a good idea to put the proper address on the envelope. I realise that this sounds obvious, but my experience during the past few days suggests that it clearly isn’t obvious to a great many people who probably shouldn’t be let out unsupervised. “
I remember quite a few ‘filler’ news items about the postman successfully delivering letters and cards marked more with clues than addresses: ‘Mary at the farm, big red tractor’ and the like.
It seems these people remember them too… 😉
“I remember quite a few ‘filler’ news items about the postman successfully delivering letters and cards marked more with clues than addresses: ‘Mary at the farm, big red tractor’ and the like.”
Probably not the next day, though.
Good on you Longrider for getting out there like that. Sadly it is only decent types such as yourself who have the pride and self respect to take even casual work when it is available. You should be held up as a role model.
I have nothing but respect for people like you who at least try to do something, and nothing but contempt for those who could do some work but find it more convenient to stay on JSA instead.
I will ensure all my Christmas cards are properly addressed, just for you 🙂
And I suspect for every one like this, there are dozens that don’t make it.
Autonomous mind – many thanks. I really hate being on JSA. A client has asked if I want to do some free training so that I can take on some temporary work for him. Not my usual rates, but the certificate will be useful and keep me gainfully employed, so I’ll be talking turkey with him in the next few days for the new year.
So does this mean that you won’t be getting my Crimble card?
I always do block capitals as my handwriting has always been awful, but I addressed it to Long Rider, The Internet.
Excellent news LR. I really hope it works out and the certificate comes in handy.
Another congratulation for taking the effort to sort yourself out rather than insisting, the way some do, that the State should “do it for me!”.
Your Christmas post assignment reminds me of the time when I did my spell, many years ago. I opted for night shift because that kept me indoors, in the warm, and out of the weather! In my innocent youth I got quite upset with the Union Steward mouthing it off about this and that. So I spotted what was his favourite sorting frame, and set about learning it. There were two with those streets on, next to each other. I was insufferably proud when I could beat him at his “own” frame! When I put my mind to it, I think I could do two items to his one! Provided some ammunition for the office arguments for ages afterwards.
So the idea that you can write a persons name, possibly the street & house number, and the postcode, is a myth?
No the postcode and house number will get it there. The house number, street and district will get it there. The problem ones are those that miss off both district and postcode. If all you have is a street and town, then unless it is a small town, the sorter will have no idea where it should go. Unless you are lucky and they happen to know, that is.
I can’t say that I like it as it is tedious work and it makes my back ache, but it’s better than the jobseeker’s allowance…
Fair enough, if it pays more and you want to do it. But there is no shame in taking JSA or unemployment benefit (non-PC term). You’ve paid your NI contributions, right? So receiving out of work benefits is not charity and it’s not ‘scrounging’ – it’s what you’ve paid for. If your house were burgled would you think twice about claiming on your insurance? You’ve paid the premiums so you are entitled to the pay out.
House numbers? Street names? Postcodes? How about a map instead? http://ciarang.com/posts/addresses
People in Oz are amazed when I tell them that the UK postcode system narrows the address down to a couple of dozen houses, or very occasionally just one building or even a department/floor in somewhere like the DVLA, and that no more than a number and the full code is needed. Completely impossible here since the postcodes cover entire suburbs, e.g. 3000 is the whole postcode for inner Melbourne and probably covers a similar sized area to RG1. No one seems to have thought to add a second part to narrow it down to perhaps a particular block on a certain street so you really need to put the whole address down. And you can’t put down something like, “99 Blah St, Ripponlea, Melbourne, VIC, 3185” because even though Ripponlea is a Melbourne suburb so is Melbourne according to Auspost, and sometimes that treat it as if it’s addressed with two completely separate suburbs. They do their best but let me put it like this: I soon stopped slagging off the Royal Mail, at least not when the unions aren’t trying to destroy it.
On a tenuously related point, what the hell is it with cards with glitter stuffed in or on them? The damn stuff goes everywhere. I’ve found it on my hands, the dog’s face and in the plate cupboard, and that’s from one bloody card. I can’t remember who it was but someone said glitter is the greetings card equivalent of anthrax, and it’s so bloody true. I’ve got no suggestions as to how it could be managed but if Royal Mail or AusPost could somehow miraculously return all glittery cards to the senders I’d be ever so grateful.