Helen Bailey and friends receive news that many will find familiar and the plot thickens on her employment dispute…

As Grindman sets to work stalking Amelia, The Boss decides it’s time to give us another of his pep talks.

“Some of you may have noticed that I have not taken a summer holiday this year.”

All of us have noticed.   We’ve talked of nothing else.

“I did not think it was appropriate for me to go swanning off The Med, whilst some of my contemporaries were joining the dole queues. It was my duty to remain at my post and drive the litigation team forward.   It is a small sacrifice to pay for our clients.”

Yes, especially when they’re paying him £500 an hour….

“So, since I am leading by example, it won’t surprise you to hear that I am expecting you to make some small sacrifices too.”

I feel an announcement coming on.

“That is why, this year, we have decided to abandon pay review.”

Abandon pay review!  That can only mean one thing.

“You’re freezing our wages?!” Liz gasps.

“We are deferring increases until the recession is over.”

“But the recession isn’t touching us!   We’re busier than ever!”

“That may be true, but, it is touching our colleagues in the Corporate Departments and it is only fair that we show solidarity with them.”

“How can that be fair?!” Jane sits up. ”They all earn much more than us to start off with.  Why not ask them to take a pay cut?”

“How would that have looked?” he puts on his patronising teacher-pupil voice. “One department having pay cuts whilst the other is having pay rises?”

“Like the economics in action!” she retorts.

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Previously on Anonymous Assistant:

Detective Watching