Hi Thank you both for your replies. They have been most helpful. She has been to the doctors today and has got a sick note for depression for 2 weeks. She spoke to her manager today, who has told her "off the record" to take as much time as she needs and to try and find another job so she can put her notice in. Think he's covering his own back here, because if it all comes out about the other members of staff, it's him that will get it in the neck too. I'll keep you posted of any developments. To be honest the company employs mostly young staff and I can't believe they way the management speak to them and the language they use. She's definitely worth more! Thanks again!

Hi there I am writing this for my neice and it may be a bit long but please stay with me. She works in the stock room of a high street fashion store. She went work recently for her 7-11 am shift with what she admits as a stinking hangover. During the shift she worked closely with her manager and carried out her duties with no questions asked about her being fit to work. At aprox 9.30am 2 members of staff from another department arrived at the stockroom door. They did not speak to her or enter the room. One of the girls then commented to her supervisor when back on their department, that my neice was "a bit worse for wear". Their supervisor, who had had no contact with my neice or seen her then reported her to the manager as being drunk. This being the manager she had been working will all morning. The manager then asked my niece if she was drunk, to which she admited still feeling the effects of the night before but was not drunk. She was then asked to leave her shift on the basis that another member of staff had said she was drunk even thought she had carried out her duties for 2 1/2 hours with no problem and no concern from the manager. He then admitted he had to send her home because of the accusations of the supervisor. Since then she has returned to work and been told by her manager that the incident will be investigated, which will result in a disciplinary hearing and probably dismissal, due to having a final written warning for another matter of overspending on her discount (which had been lowered and she had not been informed). Staff turning up for work, whilst still under the influence of the previous night is common place. A week earlier a staff member had to continuously rush to the toilet to be sick and could not carry out her duties. All of which the manager was aware of and even asking the staff member concered the next day "are you sober now". A supervisor from the stockroom had even commented on "how is it one rule for one and another for you". My neice has had serious famliy problems which the managers are aware of. She has recently started councelling and is suffering from depression, although she has not made them fully aware of this. Any thoughts on this and what is the correct disciplinary procedure they must follow. Just feel like she's being discriminated against. Sorry it so long! Thanks for any help Lola

Thanks for your responses! The debt is for an £8k loan with Barclays, taken out Nov 2000. Ran in to difficulties and had an IVA from May 2003 which failed in Sept 2003. Heard nothing since until last week. Received another letter from them today. Work have been ok so far, my manager is really good. They also want £113 for an overdraft, shall I deal with this separately?

Hello please help I'm confused! I received a letter from Lowell Portfolio last week regarding a £8k debt with Barclays taken out Nov 2000. I ran in to difficulties with the debt and entered in to a IVA in May 2003 which failed in Sept 2003. I've heard nothing since until last week. I have contacted the National Debtline regarding this and was planning on contacting Lowell this week. Today a BT message was left at work (I work in a bank) twice in 10 mins, asking to contact Lowell and leaving a tel no. My manger took the call both times. It's company policy to report things like this to the area manager and head office. She asked if anyone knew of this company and I admitted I did, fortunately she does know about the letters I'd received. She rang the number back and was asked if I worked there, she replied she could not give that information and was told just to tell me to contact them before close of business. This caused me alot of embarrasment at work and could lead to possible problems with my job. I rang Lowell and asked them not to contact me again at work and that they had caused me alot of trouble by doing this. I really don't know what will happen, it's opened a can of worms! I've told them I will contact them in writing within a week. They did mention the debt but I said I wouldn't discuss it. I need to know what is the best way to handle this. I may be able to offer a settlement via 3rd party, should I ask for a credit agreement before I do this? I've read so many things but not sure what would be the best for me! I'm confused!:-?