A juggling act in the fight for better pay

For my sins, I look after all the purchasing for the company, which is a very time-consuming job.

I regularly try and persuade my colleagues that it would be a really nice project for them to take over, at which point they immediately run in the opposite direction.

My love of suppliers recently had a sting in the tail when we were introducing some new products to our unit managers - 98% fat-free cakes. I couldn't get enough of them.

As I was merrily eating my way through the second one I started to read the nutritional value on the side - as I normally do. Since this data was introduced on products in the supermarkets it now takes me twice as long to do the weekly shop.

Anyway, I was thoroughly enjoying my carrot cake until I realised that, while it might have been 98% fat free, it was not lacking calories; each one had 150 and I had just eaten two.

Cracker debate

Talking of overeating, Christmas is coming and so is our annual fair. Suppliers meet to show our managers and chefs their festive ranges of products and to take orders.

It's just as well as we've got the usual cracker shortage again this year. Orders placed after the 15 October can not be guaranteed.

This month also saw the start of one of our new college gains. While TUPE did apply, we were soon to discover that there were not many staff returning after the summer break. A labour establishment of 14 with 10 vacancies?

Of the remaining four staff one was a cook. When further details of this position were discussed it was discovered that she was expected to work 63 hours a week for the handsome sum of £3.17 per hour.

Needless to say we have completely reworked the staff structure. By adjusting the hours and rates of pay for the vacancies we have been able to ensure there is a more even distribution of the wage pool. Our poor chef is now working more sensible hours and being paid a reasonable wage.

The hourly rate of £3.17 is a long way short of the £4.26 that is being pursued by the TUC, but examples such as this help you to understand why the campaign for a minimum wage is gaining momentum.

However, I hope that if and when the legislation is introduced that some degree of flexibility is allowed and that the rate is set at a sensible level. I am not sure how much but certainly more than £3.19.

Dancing queens

To end on a lighter note, it was good to see the editorial team of Caterer & Hotelkeeper bopping away on the dance floor at this year's Hotel and Catering Benevolent Association's Annual Ball.

I hope the next morning did not see too many sore feet and heads.