The same evil government that decrees tax inspectors and Revenue assistants should work over Christmas. I'm booking my leave today when I get in, for Christmas 2002, I'm sick of being the only volunteer in.

And it's probably the same evil govnerment that allows tax payers to use Dec 31st as an end of accounting period, making the two weeks we have fewest staff, the two busiest weeks of the year!

When I worked in Local Government (i.e., local council) there were significant bonuses/time off allowances for working over Christmas.... not so any more. I remember getting time and a half plus a day off in lieu for working during Christmas week.... now they don't even get that. There are only 3 public holidays over Christmas so they don't want to pay the extra and don't see why people should need to take a week. Usual "service needs" apply, like having no more than 2 people off in one section at any given time. My office minimum is 2, and that's what we've got until 4th Jan, me and one other.

LTS