‘Ups and Downs’ of March

What a turbulent month I have just wadded through, although some really lovely moments have happened, the sense of ‘unfairness’ of where I find my business has sent me into feeling quite distraught.

At the later end of last year there was rumblings of change for those of us who have a small limited company working in the public sector. The rumours became more prevalent in January regarding a tax element called IR35, the government changed the rules taking into effect on 1^st April. The momentum has quickly gathered pace to such an extent March has been harrowing as mere workers like me tried desperately to understand what was going on and interpretate the impact, whilst also guiding those making the decisions. The outcome is I feel unjust decisions have been taken about my working activity taken by the hospital trust I work in, acting on a three line whip by NHS England, with an outcome for me being - it is no longer financially viable for me to continue with my own limited company. I am forced into a decision to now become an employee of an ‘umbrella’ company or take a fixed term substantive contract in the hospital who want to keep me on. The contrary nature of the situation is my position could change again in the future as the decision of the IR35 status sits with the hospital who requires the skills. The ridiculous point is my IR35 status does not make any savings for the hospital I work within, I continue to charge my daily rate but it is the hospital who wants my skills who make the IR35 decision. Feels ironic!!!!

On to much cheerier events which has to be ‘Mother’s Day’, a great weekend. We were treated to a ‘Mum’s Tea’ by mum and dad, indulging in scones and cake, mums speciality!! Enjoyed with my sisters who were available, being from the left Sara, Mum, me and Kath. Whilst also catching up with Jerry's mum. Sharing a bit of time together all around. 

On Mother’s Day the sun was bright in the sky we took ourselves off to one of my favourite places being Cromer. A warm spring day, calm sea, blue sky - it was a beautiful day. Wandering day to the sea-front on and off the beach, up and down the pier, lingering around the Helter-Skelter for Dylan. Indulged ourselves with ice-cream, tea and cake then Milo brought sweets for us all to go home with. A moment of family fun and calmness in the middle of a turbulent month.

March was definitely the month that belonged to our niece Lily, my youngest sister Katherine’s daughter. Lily is a budding fashion designer and at 17 yrs. is realising her aspirations as she contributed an eight piece collection in Norwich Fashion week. I was not able to attend but by all accounts she did extremely well demonstrating the theme of ‘Graffiti’. I have included a very short video clip of the evening and pictures which were shared with me.

Then our young Lily celebrated her 18^th birthday on the last day of March. Enjoying an afternoon meal with her family and grandparents then gathered in the evening to consume the delights of legal wine bar/cocktail drinking.

Spring has definitely arrived as we enjoy the first clean greenness of budding hedges and trees. The blossom is prettying amongst the green and grass cutting has commenced.

Happy Days.