The Virtual Pub

Come Inside... => Saloon Bar => Topic started by: Nick on August 16, 2010, 05:58:03 PM

Title: Reliable workmen
Post by: Nick on August 16, 2010, 05:58:03 PM
I have been having a few probs with my London flat recently. I found a company who do handyman jobs. They are reliable, polite,  cheap and efficient. Not one of them is English (all Aussies in some sort of co-operative). They are cornering the market in Sarf London. WHy can't Engerlish werkers do this?  Very sad.
Title: Re: Reliable workmen
Post by: Pastis on August 16, 2010, 06:12:31 PM
English workers can and do. Witness Jim the Sparks, Stu the Tiler, Byron the Plumber (ok, I'll grant you he's Jamaican but Anglicised). I think the Poles have had their day but the Aussies are good on networking and have a relentless camaraderie.
Title: Re: Reliable workmen
Post by: Pirate on August 16, 2010, 09:12:29 PM
English  tradesmen are too expensive...end of...
Title: Re: Reliable workmen
Post by: Snoopy on August 17, 2010, 09:53:55 AM
I have been having a few probs with my London flat recently. I found a company who do handyman jobs. They are reliable, polite,  cheap and efficient. Not one of them is English (all Aussies in some sort of co-operative). They are cornering the market in Sarf London. WHy can't Engerlish werkers do this?  Very sad.

It has much to do with legislation and registration. Most "foreign" self employed handymen have neither qualification nor are they paying taxes. It follows therefore that they also ignore all legislation and due to lack of registration with appropriate trade bodies they have little to fear if they botch it and scarper. Easy way to check ~ how many of these foreign workers provide a landline phone number? If they only give out a mobile number it is a sure sign they are on the fiddle.
Title: Re: Reliable workmen
Post by: Nick on August 17, 2010, 09:58:43 AM
The invoice gives their address, landline and VAT Reg No.  whistle:
Title: Re: Reliable workmen
Post by: Snoopy on August 17, 2010, 10:03:27 AM
That makes my words no less true.