Chapter 18 Excerpt

The World of Work

The British work environment comes with its own distinct vocabulary and behavior.   The phrase "I hear where you're coming from" is very often replaced with, "No, you're wrong, and let me tell you why."   Yes, folks, you thought the Brits were terribly reserved and polite, but wait until you get into a meeting with them, better yet a union/management dispute.   In this chapter you'll also learn the workplace lingo, (including "bulldog clips" and "drawing pins"), hear about the delightful "tea trolley" and explore the way the Brits look for a job.

"The Brits draw a sharp distinction between being fired (sacked) and being let go for any other reason.   "Getting the sack" or being fired, would mean that the employee had done something fairly egregious at work, since oral and written warnings must ordinarily be given before anyone can be fired.   When employees are let go due to financial problems in the organization, this is usually termed "being made redundant", and has much less stigma attached.   If you know someone who's been made redundant, don't offend him or her by using the "f" (fired) word."