Hello, Clive here,

It’s a slightly different style of missive this week.

Firstly, I had some bad news on Thursday. Someone from the mediation industry passed away. She was one of the first people that I ever trained. She went into hospital on Tuesday 25th expecting treatment for a bad back. One of her colleagues spoke to her on four different occasions throughout the day. On Wednesday morning she died of a brain haemorrhage. She hadn’t previously complained of headaches. She hadn’t reached 50. Quite shocking. My thoughts are with her family.

Secondly, last weeks note appealed to a good many readers. Here is how one person responded: (Her comments are included here with her permission)

Hi Clive,

I read this email with added interest. I’m 57 and working as an Administration and HR Manager. Up until 4 or 5 years ago, my career was always accounts-based but after major restructuring I was ‘driven’ towards the dual role I now have. However, I lacked confidence in HR and until I took the CPP in 2009 I had no formal training in this area.

I am now studying for the CIPD PDS certificate (with the company’s support) and, yes, I find it difficult at times - especially the amount of time I need to commit but your email struck a cord because, before I decided to enrol on the course, I had conversations with colleagues about whether I should be doing it at my age and one person, in particular, was of the opinion that perhaps we don’t need to bother if we are outside the 35 to 45 age bracket and ‘are doing the job anyway’. He thought that if I was back on the unemployment list then I wouldn’t stand much of a chance gaining other employment due to the competition from much younger applicants. And, to a certain extent, I agree with him but surely I have a much better chance than if I don’t have the qualifications?

Of course, this has made me wonder ever since if I am wasting company money and whether it will be worthwhile. I don’t know how successful I will be or, indeed, if I will complete the course but I know I need to try. I am totally independent and currently don’t anticipate being able to retire at 63 years and just want to ensure that I am still employable as I get even older!

This inspires me too so thanks very much for passing it on.

Regards,

Finally, you may have seen or heard the news last Thursday that the Government has launched a consultation on resolving workplace disputes. This is very exciting, particularly because of the link that is made to the prompt resolution of disputes and getting the UK economy back on its feet.