Workplace collections

[user6549908]

In May we had 4 collections at my workplace, two leaving, one new baby and one birthday (60), I put in £5 for each one as that is what everyone puts in.
The two people who were leaving have both since returned to the company as they both did not like their new jobs. They both received around £70 each in total.
AIBU to be annoyed that they have had a collection done to return one month later?

So is the issue the fact that they’ve returned or there are too many workplace collections? If it’s the latter, I can understand that it can get tiresome if happens often. But if it’s the former, you can’t begrudge people for wanting to return if they didn’t like their new job.

Both I guess, the amount of collections that we have and then two of the collections being for no reason as they returned.

It's a liberty! Tell them your granny died to try and recoup some money.

Well who can predict they are going to go back to their old job. It's just one of those things.

Just dont put in them.

Just opt out. Say you’ll sort your own card.

I opted out years ago and buy my own present and card for those I like.

I don't think it is worth getting upset over that they returned. They would not have known that they were going to do that.

Ask for your fiver back.

We avoid the big (whole building) collections, and stick to just our little team. It gets ridiculous otherwise.

A few recent collections for new babies / weddings were over £200. I think that is far too much for a work place gift so I don’t get involved. I’m beyond caring whether anyone notices or cares (although I don’t think anyone does).

Annoying, but I wouldn't say anything. Maybe don't contribute in future?

I get where you're coming from though.

I've always contributed (£10 a time) for birthdays, leaving gifts. I've been at my job 4 years so it adds up.

We recently merged with another company and quite a few people from my team left (not made redundant, just found other jobs with better pay). It was my birthday 3 weeks before they were due to leave and I didn't receive so much as a card. It really upset me tbh, especially as I'd contributed all year towards other people's birthdays etc. Obviously I never said anything but it's made me not want to bother in future even with a new team.

Perhaps don't contribute in future. Try to find out if it is not too intrusive why the new jobs were not good.