Cannot afford this sort of thing – as much in reputation and customer goodwill as in literal costs with markets as they are at present. Equally, however, know that only way forward in this sort of situation is to grit teeth, make a plan and restore order sooner rather than later.
Have been trying to motivate production manager all week, and watching as he gets more tired and more dragged down by it. Him absorbing full brunt of a couple of staff member’s hissy fits over holidays they cannot have and long hours, with juniors in same department off “sick”, is taking its toll. He is clearly exhausted and consequently very edgy to deal with. Am still interviewing for a couple of extra temporary hands to help us get straight. Job centre ad has pulled everyone with nil grasp of English onto our phone lines and office staff are therefore getting tense and behind as well.
Depressingly, out of the two + million unemployed, 99 per cent of the unemployable seem to be still walking through our doors.
At least right hand disappeared off to his break and, meanwhile, I will rely on my natural bloody mindedness (or tenacity, depending on who you speak to) to drag everyone kicking and screaming through this little hiccup.
