nhs contracts? Hi all, i am now working in the nhs as part of the theatre department and in doing so signed the usual contract agreeing to working on calls, late shifts and weekends etc, the problem is that some staff are not taking part in this arrangement because of various reasons ( my cats scared of the dark or little johnny wets the bed) sanctioned by the managers and therefore the remaining staff are having to work extra shifts to compensate. My question is, are we all being treated equally and do we have any basis for taking action against the management. Any help would be great. Cheers.

I'm trying to give up smoking, I'm using a vape pen which helps most of the time but at other times I get so stressed I will give in and buy a packet of cigarettes. I'm disabled and housebound and felt that cigarettes were my only enjoyment I had left. I'm really trying hard to give up not only for health reasons but it is so expensive, I'd appreciate any suggestions to help stop me giving into temptation when I get stressed out.

It really is a bad habit. I dont believe im playing this subject down. Dose any one agree smoking should be classed as suicide? bankers4me

I have a thread elsewhere about being backdoored with a CCJ by Rectums/Carboot which is progressing nicely. Once I realised I had been CCJed with a default judgement I went into fightback mode, went for a set-aside and Rectums have pulled out on me and Discontinued a case that at the moment they still have an active CCJ on. Wont be long before that resolves itself though. However, they are holding something of a smoking gun in that I know AND it looks like I can prove Carboots instructed their Rectum to issue paperwork knowingly to my previous address thus winning the Default Judgement. Im up for the fight on this one and have yet to find anybody else with the same level of proof I have got. So, how to proceed? Im thinking SAR Carboots and request the very piece of information they cannot deny they have (because I already have sight of it) and see what happens or is there another way? No point going to their trade body so who are they regulated by and will they bother to take any action. As for Rectums, their trainee solicitor (Grade D) needs the wind taking from her sails. Not sure whether there is anything I can do to her at the moment but the briefest of looks at their claim would have confirmed they were trying it on with a very Statute Barred debt and actually got a Judgement on it. Any avenues here worth pursuing? I want to put something together that really will get their attention but do I attack them or do I go elsewhere? How illegal is it to knowingly raise a case using the wrong address when it is a fact you have the correct address in your possession?

From 1 October, several changes to the law around smoking come into force. Here’s everything you need to know: Q: What is happening on October 1? A: From that date private vehicles must be smoke free if there are passengers in it who include someone under 18. Q: Is it just the driver who faces prosecution if the law is broken? A: No. If one of the passengers lights up in the vehicle they and the driver will face prosecution. Q: What will happen to those caught? A: They will received a fixed notice penalty of £50. Q: Does the law apply to e-cigarettes? A: No it does not. Q: What happens if there is a 17-year-old who is alone in a vehicle and smoking? A: If that is the case then no-one is committing an offence. Q: What type of private vehicles does the legislation cover? A: It covers any private vehicle that is enclosed wholly or partly by a roof. A convertible car, or coupe, with the roof completely down and stowed is not enclosed and so isn’t covered by the legislation. But a vehicle with a sunroof open is still enclosed and so is covered. Sitting in the open doorway of an enclosed vehicle is covered by the legislation. Q: Do the new laws apply to motorhomes, campervans and caravans? A: The rules apply to them when they are being used as a vehicle but don’t apply when they are being used as living accommodation. Q: How will it be enforced? A: Enforcement officers - usually the police - will use their discretion to decide whether to issue a warning or a fixed penalty notice, or whether to refer an offence to court. Q: Won’t it be difficult to enforce? A: Yes, according to some police officers, who also warn it might divert officers from other duties. It’s a point conceded by those who campaigned for the law change who hope that just the existence of the new law will deter many from lighting up in their vehicle. Q: Why is the new legislation being brought in? A: To protect children and young people from passive smoking. Those for the bans say every time a child breathes in secondhand smoke they breathe in thousands of chemicals. This puts them at risk of serious conditions, such as meningitis, cancer and respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also make asthma worse. Secondhand smoke is dangerous for anyone, but children are especially vulnerable, because they breathe more rapidly and have less developed airways, lungs and immune systems.

A ban on smoking in cars comes into effect just as people are being urged to quit smoking for Stoptober. From 1 October 2015, it will be illegal to smoke in a car (or other vehicles) with anyone under 18 present. The law is changing to protect children and young people from the dangers of secondhand smoke. This is a very silly and unthought out law. A person can smoke in public at the age of 16, so what if a person of 16 or 17 in that car is a smoker and decides to light up. Does it mean the kids can smoke but the driver/parents can't or will they be breaking the law as well. These do-gooders are really thick some times.

I'd be very interested to hear folks experiences of using Hypnosis to stop smoking

I have been smoking for five years and haven't managed to kick the habit what would you say are the best ways to quit?

Smoking in cars carrying children is set to become illegal in England late next year in the biggest crackdown on lighting up since the ban on smoking in public places in 2007. On Wednesday the government will lay the regulations in parliament needed to pave the way for the new restriction on smoking, which is likely to come into force on 1 October 2015. The measure will criminalise smoking by parents, carers or other adults in a car carrying anyone under 18. Enforcement officers would be able to issue a £50 fixed penalty notice both for smoking in the vehicle and failure to prevent smoking in the vehicle. If the case goes to court, the maximum fine will soar to £800 for someone caught smoking in a car carrying a child and £10,000 for a driver who fails to prevent someone else smoking. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2827571/Ban-smoking-cars-passed-law-weeks-come-force-October-2015.html

As the title.

Hi Guys, I guess you see a lot of these smoking claims issue and I was wondering if you could help me out. Usual case: stayed at TL, extended room for one day, next day, women came into my room whilst I was sleeping and said I been smoking. I was due to check out anyway. She said I was smoking then said I covered fire alarm, then after I contacted TL executive office said I left towels on the floor. TL executive office were very unhelpful, sent them an email with 5 questions, only answered one question, prompted them to answer all 5 questions, just answered one more, very unhelpful company... Letter arrived not to my address but to a friends address but named to me, but said friend booked the room. Should I just respond stating that I did not smoke, i deny all claims sent to me? They all stated they needed specific cleaners and could not rent the room out which is BS. Should I ask for any evidence for this. I just want to stop correspondence going to an address that is not mine as it has a detrimental affect on my friend (very sensitive for me ) Can i ask them to cancel correspondence to that address? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks Yugoif

Hi, I was just hoping for a little advice. I have been sent letters from CRS in regards to smoking and damages to 2 rooms during a stay I booked on behalf of my Boyfriend and his mates, demanding £430 for damages/compensation. I have spoken to all members of the party and they catagorically deny it, I trust them completely, and so I replied to the letters confirming I won't be paying and requesting proof. They have since sent a response containing some non-desript photos of generic damage, they aren't dated etc and theres no way of showing they are from the specific rooms they're referring to, as well as the "incident logs" stating the night porter visited the room in regards to a fire alarm fault. They have also included an "invoice" but all the claims are for "compensation of cost" not cost. I sought legal advice and was told that the "evidence they have sent" is purposefully limited and wouldnt stand up in court, and advised to reply reiterating my denial of the incident and advising them I will bnot respond to further correspondence unless the law requires me to. However Im concerned. so I have a few questions I want to ask before I send a response, if anyone canhelp me out that would be really great! 1. I was not present during this stay, originally the 2 claims were sent to my address in my boyfriend and one of his mates names, however the claims have been moved into my name as CRS state that the designated person of each rooms have "refused to resolve the issue". They have not refused to resolve the issue, they both phoned, stated they denied the allegations and refused to pay without proof, at which point CRS advised them they will not discuss the matter further with them and would only speak to myself. When my boyfriend requested the claims to be moved into his name so he could deal with it as I was not present, they refused. If this went to court, where do we stand in being able to move the claims out of my name and into my boyfriend and/or his mate, as they would like it to be? 2. The "report log" is not dated or signed. It states that the night porter attended the room against which they have made smoking claims, due to a fire alarm fault. Refitted the alarm and then left. It states the next morning, he found Ash on the window sill and the smell of smoke. CRS advised us it was another customer who had reported the smell. Also, if the party had been smoking prior to the porter arrival while the fire alarm was disengaged, he would have smelt very strong smoke at that time. He confirms he refitted the fire alarm himself, so they wont have been able to smoke after he left. Would this be sufficient flaw in evidence to dispute this claim should it go to court? 3. The second claim for damages, in the incident report it states that the porter let someone else into this room without the occupants permission. He says its reasonable as they gave the right name and room. They were members of the same party and they took the matress of the bed as a prank. the night porter escorted the real occupants to the room adn asked they replace the matress and then left. He says he saw damage later the next day that he "hadnt noticed". Would this be sufficient flaw in evidence to dispute this claim should it go to court? 4. Is "compensation of cost" actually legally binding claim invoicing? I was under the impression they can only claim for actual losses, I notice their careful in their wording...if it was the actual cost, surely they'd put "Cost" without the compensation. I also know that CRS receive a commision on the claim, which isnt invoiced, so this must have been built into the "compensation"... 5. Have requested full and satisfactory evidence from both CRS (who provided no specific and vague information "for my reference only") and Traveloge (who refused directly to me and advised CRS they'd only provide in court"). Given their refusal to provide satisfactory evidence to resolve the matter outside of court, if this went to court, would this be sufficient reason for them beging denied the right to reclaim legal cost should they win? 6. Anyone aware of any of these cases actually going to court??? I've found lots of people getting the letters but no-one seems to have ever been taken to court! At the end of the day, the party didnt cause these damages so I will only pay if they can provide absolute proof or I am ordered to by a court. Im disgusted by the attitude of CRS, they're so rude and agressive, story changes every few days, and Travelodge are just as bad, they've even ignored my written request for all data on myself and the bookings in question and told me they wont discuss the matter further with me! Im not gonna respond to any more of CRSs letters, and Im pretty confident that should it go to court, they wont win, everythings so "sketchy", but I would like my mind putting at ease a little!!!! Cheers m'dears

During October 2013, thousands of people across England are taking part in Stoptober - a new, exciting 28 day challenge to stop smoking. There's lots of free support to help you along the way - and the great news is that by stopping smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to stay smokefree! Stoptober support is available as an online/smartphone app, a Stoptober pack, a 28 day stop smoking text support programme and support via the Smokefree Facebook page. The Stoptober pack is a pack for smokers with facts, tips and tools to support them through the 28 days of Stoptober. The pack contains information on preparing to stop smoking, along with day-to-day support to help them through the 28 days. Smokers will be able to order their Smokefree Kit online from: www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober Stoptober – England and Wales’ mass 28-day stop smoking challenge – is back following its huge success last year, which saw 160,000 people successfully complete the challenge. The campaign is launched by Public Health England (PHE) as new research shows the extra years of life that can be gained by giving up smoking and staying smokefree . Someone who quits smoking for Stoptober, and doesn’t smoke again, could gain an extra 7 days of life, every 28 days, for the rest of their life. Along with the health benefits, stopping will save the average smoker over £150 a month and almost £2,000 a year. During last year’s Stoptober campaign, a staggering £25 million was saved by the 160,000 people from not buying cigarettes. Over 8 million people in England smoke and it remains the nation’s biggest killer, with half of long-term smokers dying prematurely from a smoking-related disease. Research shows that those who stop smoking for 28 days are 5 times more likely to stay smokefree and Stoptober’s ambition is to help smokers achieve this goal.

A few weeks back I got kicked out (and my friend from a different room because he tried to smuggle me in his room and they found me) for smoking in the room. I admit that we smoked out of the window, it was lazy and stupid of us not to go downstairs and go outside. However I was shocked that the duty manager gave us no warning whatsoever, we were instantly "evicted" (he loved using that word!). I didn't want to cause trouble so we left and tried to check into a hotel down the road. However all hotels in the city were booked up due to major events, the only thing available was for £141 in the centre of town but as it was already 4-4.30 am we felt it wasn't worth it. we killed time until 6.30am when our friends (in another different room) who had a vehicle were contacted and then we chilled in a friend's car until they were ready to drive home at about 9am. Humiliatingly we actually tried to get some sleep on park benches near the hotel, in an area which isn't particularly safe. I thought it was out of order that we weren't given a chance by way of warning. If we had received a warning then we would have instantly switched and gone outside for a fag. I apologised, pleaded for leniance and even offered to buy another room. However the duty manager insisted that it was not his decision but that it came from Head Office (someone must have told head Office..?) and threatened to call the police if we didn't leave. I asked if they will try to levy further costs and he said Head Office may try to charge £150 for cleaning of the room. Again it was "not his decision, but Head Office will decide". I cancelled my credit card. About 2 weeks later after no further contact from Travelodge, I received a letter from CRS dated 13 Aug 2013 making a claim for£150, otherwise I have to explain within 10 days (not sure if working days..?) if I wish to dispute. I'm not sure what to do. I have read many other threads online, many which are people incensed because they didn't smoke, whereas I admitted it and got "evicted". At the time they said they had CCTV evidence but we never saw it. I'm not sure if he was bluffing or not. Also I feel it unreasonable to ask for £150, how can they justify that size of cost? So I have some choices/questions 1. Pay it and split with my friends (who incidentally are saying to me that I should ask for evidence, easy to say when it is not in their name!!) 2. Ask for evidence. They might have been bluffing by saying that they have CCTV footage. I've seen other threads where the evidence provided has been photographs that don't necessarily link it to the individual circumstance. My concern here is whether they somehow provide evidence (CCTV) that we admitted it and left the hotel and then subsequently increase the claim. Can they do that? 3. Tell them to justify £150 as it seems extortionate. 4. Ignore it because Travelodge themselves have not contacted me about it, other than on the night itself (I saw another thread that suggested this route, although the difference there was the guest denied smoking, whereas I did not). Clearly as soon as I make any contact then they have a lead from which they can pursue me. 5. Can I claim that the hotel have breached their duty of care towards me by making me sleep rough.? Surely that was punishment enough, a further claim for £150 seems excessive. 6. If it doesn't specify then does 10 days mean 10 calendar days? Or it generally accepted that it is 10 working days? The main thing I am worried about is having a black mark on my name in terms of credit checks and so on. Which is obviously the fear that these people prey on. But do I have a case if I admitted it and left the hotel? Help !

Hi, I searched on Google and here seems a good place to ask. I have been sent two letters today one with my name on and one with one of my mates. You can view one of the letters here: http://s2.postimage.org/c4rwacl61/59505_10152451539445693_14521781_n.jpg Now Me and my mate in the room i was in are non smokers. The other room my mate has guaranteed me he did not smoke. I will be truthful with this bit, another of my mates has said in a different room there was smoking but they have not received a letter or should i say i have not receieved anything for them - i was the one who made the bookings. Can anyone shed any light on what i should do? As clearly the rooms/booking ref they have accused of smoking are incorrect. Thanks

got a letter saying they want £150 for me smoking in my room from ukcrs din't smoke in there room can anyone help me did send a email to ukcrs saying that I wish to dispute the claim that i was smoking at travelodge on sat 1st sept. got a reply sent on wednesday the 4th sept saying that they noticed a strong smell of smoke a member of management was called n they believed that smoking had accured in the room. so sent a reply today saying I stayed at travelodge alone on sunday and i rememmber it well as it was gay pride, as i was there to support my friends. I booked into the hotel at around 7pm alone that night and was only in the hotel room for 10 mins. for a change of clothing. The next moring i was in a rush so i dint even have time for a shower. If someone was to smoke in your room then i would of thought the smoke alarms would go off? I did not somke on travelodge premises. I was with people who smoked all night and it was raining so if it did smell a bit of smoke in the room then it must of come from my clothing. Can you ask Travelodge to remove any black mark that maybe against my name, and next time i do stay at travelodge i will make sure the manager inspects my room before i book out. can anyone help me as i did not smoke in the hotel room

did any of these cases ever get a court apperance? i read alot of claims on here and wondered if any actually got to a court case, i,m going through it now and have told them take me court based on their evidence its pathetic, they sent me pics of a windowsill with ash on (laughable) and have 2 cleaners statements.

https://www.google.com/search?q=indonesia+children+smoking

Hi all, I've registered here to just to make this post. I noticed quite a few complaints here about Travelodge's smoking fine, and threatening letters from CRS. I was accused by Travelodge a while ago of smoking in my room, and received a letter from CRS demanding £150 or face court action. As usual, their "evidence" was ash on the window sill and a smell of smoke in the room (I don't smoke, so this was not true). After a few letters back & forth, I asked CRS to provide a copy of the invoice received by Travelodge for the "specialist cleaning" which they claim was required, also to provide proof that the room in question was not used the next day, and also to provide detailed calculations showing how these items totalled exactly £150. I never heard back from them ever again. Job done. Bunch of idiots. Do they really think this is the best way of getting repeat business?! I will never again stay in a Travelodge hotel & would advise everyone else not to either.

Hi folks new here and would like some help if possible please , I have been contacted by a company called CRS (civil recovery solutions) regarding a claim from Travel lodge for breach of their terms and conditions (smoking in room). To say i am livid is a slight understatement ! Neither myself or my wife smoke ! we booked for the sportcity travel lodge in Manchester but on arrival we were informed that the boiler was broken and there was no hot water ! not good when you arrive straight from work and need a shower before going out for said wifes birthday (first night without kids for years too!). they very nicely transfered us to MEN lodge so we very quickly went to that lodge showered and straight out, did actually notice the window was open when we arrived but thought nothing of it. One restless night later as wife thought the room smelt stale we got up and checked out and wife did actually mention this to the checkout staff but nothing came of it, had breakfast and left. That was 14th of september and just recieved letter and i have no intension of paying the 'fine' , contacted travel lodge but they didn't want to deal with me and just appologised do i just write a letter to the company involved ? Regards Mark.

Hi there I,m new and I really wanted to ask a question. Has anyone used Champix for quitting smoking? If so, do you know if you come off if you can go back on?

At work my employer has said: Staff who work 6 hours or less are not entitled to have a smoking break or 5 minutes to eat their lunch. They have to work the 6 hours. Staff who work over 6 hours have to have an unpaid 1/2 hour break. If you smoke you can have 6 x 5 minute breaks instead of the 1 x 1/2 hour. My questions are: Can a 6 hour employee be made to work the whole 6 hours flat with no break at all (how can a member of staff working 9.30 - 3.30 have no lunch)? My wife works 6 hours in a school and gets a 20 minute paid break every day. Is there anything in law saying staff should be given paid breaks? Can a 6 hour employee be told if they spend 10 minutes smoking they must work 10 minutes later at the end of thier shift? Thanks in advance.

There is a very good article about it on the BBC Watchdog website. Travelodge: Smoking or non-smoking? Travelodge is the fastest growing budget hotel chain in the UK. Seven million rooms were sold last year alone and some for as low as £19 a night. But whilst your bill may be low during your stay, afterwards you may be sent a demand for seven times that amount as a punishment for something you haven’t done. Along with restaurants and other public places, hotels have restricted the places on their premises that people can smoke. Light up and you can be fined up to £200 if convicted, plus damages if the company is granted them in court. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006...avelodge-fines

Here are a few things that have helped me in my battle with Nicotine. There is a lot of help out there from the NHS etc, but I feel everyone who wants to stop should read Allan Carr's very good book 'The easy way to stop smoking'. To start with here is a run down of what happens to your body after you stop smoking, it's a sort of check list as time goes by and helps keep you on track :- I found it helpful to print it out and leave copies where I could easily see them, by the computer, fridge etc...... Within 20 minutes - Blood pressure and pulse rate start to return to normal Within 8 Hours - Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half. Oxygen levels return to normal. Within 24 Hours - Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris. You won't believe the gunge that comes up at first as your body begins to re-grow cilia, the tiny hairs that line your airways and help push up impurities from your lungs - your smoking destroyed these. Within 48 Hours - There is no nicotine left in the body. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved Within 72 Hours - Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase Within 2-12 weeks - Circulation rapidly improves Within 3-9 months - Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung functions are increased by up to 10%. Personally, my smokers cough actually disappeared after 4-5 days! Within 5 years - Risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker Within 10 years - Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked

The already famous Ukraine Police,who are always quick to top up their wages with "fines" extracted from foreigners for so called infringements ...will be rubbing their hands at this latest earner rubber stamped by Yanukovitch today. Getting caught smoking in non designated places could now set you back 1000 uah (approx 81 quid) That is of course if you choose to elect for Court.....its likely that an offender will escape this by presenting 2-500 crispy Hirivnas to avoid any "problems" you read it here first.....watch the newspaper complaints come flooding in before the end of the comp. http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/129509/