So how is all this ‘open only for key workers’ thing going to work then?

[FlamingoAndJohn]

Really is doesn’t seem to mean anything.

I can’t really teach a random selection of children.

On the one hand I can't believe that people are trying to actually get their kids into childcare for key workers. On the other hand, I guess I shouldn't be.

Who would do such a thing? Weird.

@MyHipsDontLieUnfortunately - You can’t pay out what doesn’t come in.

If you think that nursery workers should be paid more, you must accept that nursery fees must continue to rise.

I own a nursery. It is full. By the time I have paid the staff, the rent and the bills, there is nothing left at the end of each month.

I keep it open because it provides a valuable community service and because it will have some value when I eventually sell it (this is unlikely now).

But the staff are paid an amount commensurate with what comes in. ‘Free’ childcare does not enable staff to be paid huge salaries.

@xenia you do realise what you're saying? That you deserve to keep a livelihood in this mess, and it's worth it if some postmen and postwomen get needlessly sick and die, because it might make you better off? Why does everyone else's health and happiness come before ours? We do nothing but help the communities we serve, yet we're not even allowed to reduce our hours in a pandemic, even when you know we have no protective gear. Wow.

@postietoastie I wouldn't rise to it. On a previous thread Xenia felt that old people should be allowed to die rather than cancel exams. She also thinks that barristers should be on the key workers list so they can send their children into school. She's either utterly selfish or an outright troll

thanks that's cheered me up! (While I'm still on the streets delivering at gone 3pm lol)

I am a key worker but can work from home. I intend to keep my kids at home and somehow work around them. Would appreciate any tips to structure their day.

How old are they? Could they stick to basic school hours? Maybe not quite that intense but along those lines.

Do some reading, build in some game /TV time etc. Have play time, lunch time. Good for you too.

My son was a postman for 3.5 years. I know a lot more about the role than a lot of people and I sorry if you are having to work in conditions you do not feel are safe as indeed are many doctors and nurses. Without the postal system the ability to save lives will be jeopardised. These are not easy decisions and I am certainly very grateful for all royal mail workers for continuing to work in these difficult times.

However I do not think it would be better if we stopped postal deliveries. Lots of people are even needing the post just to get some foods and other vital services. Other need to continue to earn money so the state is able to pay the business support payments and unemployment benefits to many of the less well off.

15 and 10. The 15 year old is a self motivated individual so not too worried about them but the 10year is more of challenge.

Lots of people are even needing the post just to get some foods and other vital services.

Who uses the postman as their food delivery service

Hello Fresh deliveries are done by DPD.

@postietoastie how is the toilet situation looking just now? Ive been inside for a few weeks but back out next week and I'm genuinely stressing about it. I'm bad at the best of times 🙈

I would say leave the 15 year old to it and focus on structure for the 10 year old. get up get dressed etc. Do some 'work' from 9 - 10.30. Break. Work again 11- 12 . Nice long lunch and telly etc.. Work from 1.30 - 3 ish. Read a book later for 40 mins?

If the schools work is a bit wanting, perhaps see if you can get some of those SATs type workbooks?

It'll be tough though...

He could do a timetable maybe?

My DS1s GCSE revision timetable is sat in the dining room looking a bit sorry for itself

m.youtube.com/watch?v=tQD4B_hmdvo

Listen to the above and share

Or she! Sorry, shouldn't assume!

Thanks Piggy. We will work something out I guess

That you deserve to keep a livelihood in this mess, and it's worth it if some postmen and postwomen get needlessly sick and die, because it might make you better off?

There's obviously no point in trying to discuss this with you. Why don't you quit if you feel that your health is in jeopardy?

@MarginalGain it amuses me that you think the only way anyone could have any issue with people needlessly dying is if they felt they were personally at risk. I'm 28 and fit and healthy. One of these risky groups for this. As I have already said elsewhere, I'm putting my health at risk repeatedly and voluntarily every day by helping my neighbours and running errands. What I don't agree with is that you have 65 year olds exposing themselves to this virus so that people can carry on buying crap off eBay out of boredom. Yes we need to deliver essentials. No, your new window hammock for your cat isn't an essential.

I'm here to amuse.

It's not practical to shut down all commerce, try to maintain some perspective. Someone is going to have to pay the enormous debt we are incurring.

There is plenty of support for those who can't or won't work through this chapter.

marginal the if in your previous post was crass and unseemly. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that it was unintentional but now is not the time to be picking fights.

I agree a postal service is important : but it is vital that the workers are not being overloaded and that they are properly protected whilst in the workplace.

I don't think the debt of people's lives and health is what should be pitted against economic debt. As many have pointed out on SM it is many of the lowest paid in society that are propping us up at the moment. And the country owes them more than just gratitude and platitudes.

postie your posts have made me reevaluate what I am sending and having delivered. I shall cut back. Thank you.

The window hammock comment did actually make me lol. Thank you @postietoastie

I don't think the debt of people's lives and health is what should be pitted against economic debt. As many have pointed out on SM it is many of the lowest paid in society that are propping us up at the moment. And the country owes them more than just gratitude and platitudes.

Of course there will be an economic analysis at every juncture, were you born yesterday? Let's give the key workers more money, I agree. I'd just like to get this operation back up and running.