April 4, 2008
Rarely has Guru contemplated leaving his post as global HR sage, but it did flicker across his mind when he read what was on offer in Cadnam, Hampshire.
Michael Hammond placed a 25p advert in the New Forest village’s Post Office asking for a drinking companion for his father.
Afraid that dad Jack, 88, is lonely, Michael is offering the successful candidate £7 an hour to take him to the pub.
Guru has always longed to be telling the truth when he answers his phone at the Dog and Duck to say “I’m working late” and “just putting in the overtime so we can build that extension you keep banging on about”. Plus, just imagine the expenses claims.
And there does not seem to be too much competition. Despite saying he has been “absolutely staggered by the response”, Michael later boasted of just three direct replies to the advert.
However, closer inspection revealed that Mr Hammond Junior may be in for a spot of trouble with the HR police. Employment legislation friendly this recruitment process is not.
Women would apparently be “out of the question” as Mr Hammond senior would feel uncomfortable going to a pub with a woman he did not know.
Furthermore, the ideal candidate would “not be too bombastic, and enjoy a nice pint”, two questions unlikely to be heard at many job interviews.
Guru decided he would steer clear of this legal minefield – and head to the pub. ENDS
Comments (1)
This is disgusting...... in this day and age that someone can just get tired of their elderly parent and swop them for a drinking buddy.
Posted by Disciple Neil | April 4, 2008 9:47 AM
Posted on April 4, 2008 09:47