Relaxmax1

I recently arrived at Dover at 7.30 on the morning of Sept 9th to be told that the crossing was cancelled due to overhauling. Speedferries assured me they had tried to contact me, but didn't have my phone number (this is incorrect as I was asked for my phone number on booking - they also had my email address). No assistance was given to me to get another crossing (I ended up having to buy a one-way ticket with SeaFrance). I was assured that payment for the cancelled crossing had been credited to my account. The only compensation they offered me verbally was another 1-way crossing valid for a year ! NOTHING has been forthcoming from Speedferries, in spite of an email and phonecalls. I see on the forum that others scheduled on the cancelled crossings were amply compensated for the cancellations. One last point that makes me angry. I travelled out to Dover from Boulogne on Sept 5th - the day before the ferry was due to be taken for overhauling and surely the staff must have known this fact !!! any suggestions as to how I can get adequate compensation from Speedferries??

Thanks for replies & private messages. Yes I do need to work !!! (to pay university tuition fees for daughter) and yes I do realise that the UK has changed over the years as I've been hopping back on short visits over the years but never on a long-term basis. Contrary to the vast majority of you, I did not choose France as my country of residence. I just married a guy who happened to be French, so living in France came as part of the package as it were.... I do have my feet firmly on the ground and need dosh to see me through the coming years & that in France is in short supply right now. Having worked all my life as "cadre" I refuse to accept working for a minimum wage doing something that I dislike doing. Maybe I'll fare better in UK, maybe not, but I'm up for the challenge... Watch this space !!

Yes, you did read this correctly and I 'm a complete oddball on this site ! After 23 years living and working in Paris (married Frenchie, you see..) I am toying with the idea of moving back to the UK to work, returning home w-ends. After redundancy and serious jobhunting in this frustrating extremely ageist 10%-rate unemployment country (less than 35% of over 55's are in paid employment,) am really considering a temporary move home and also to get back to my roots. London or SE as I have contacts there. Would really appreciate your input about possibility of acquiring employment at my age ( my god !) Worked in marketing/communications but wld consider P.A. position. Where would I start ? I just want UK-therapy - shop at Tesco, have a couple of beers at a nice pub, get the Sunday papers, be able to buy my underwear from M&S.. be in my own country - really just get away from all the Frenchness that's been in my life for the past 23 years... Wonder what all you francophiles think ?