Lisa Cherry Beaumont

I was offered a cleaning job in a care home (in the UK) on the condition my CRB check and references came back satisfactorily.

After only two weeks the employer called me saying the CRB check had not been completed and that they couldn't wait much longer because they were under pressure from the authorities to get cleaners in. I explained that I have no criminal record and that CRB checks can take time but she didn't want to listen and kept saying she'd have to take someone else on if it wasn't back soon.

I chased the CRB check (that the employer had conducted) and was told that the length of time was well within the norm and sometimes it can take a month or more. I told the employer this and she still insisted that she would have to get someone else if it wasn't back "soon". I told her the matter is out of hands and that if she decides to get someone else to please let me know as I'll have to look for another job.

She then told me that's exactly what she'd do as she didn't like my attitude (?!) and withdrew the job offer!

Thankfully I've since found another job for which I don't need a CRB check but have been left with the cost (£60!) of a CRB check I didn't need.

Firstly, the care home charged me the £60 - is that the correct price of a CRB check? I've been told it's too high. I emailed to ask them to refund it but they ignored me. And secondly, can I sue them for breach of contract?

Thanks in advance.

Hi. I've agreed to help a French person improve their English. They know the basics and I'd like to offer more structure than just conversation. Does anyone know of any particularly useful online resources offering free worksheets? Thanks in advance.

I'm English and am wondering what is the point of a wedding shower? I think it's an American thing. Is it a party for friends and family of the bride and groom who are not invited to the wedding?

It was shown in the UK on TV in the mid-late 1970s.

There was a group of maybe 6 girls/women who, every evening, would dress up in their best dresses, long slightly crinoline dresses, each a different colour. When ready, they would pass through an archway of gold and silver leaves and branches, and get into boats to sail across a lake.

At the other side of the lake they would meet up with men and dance all night.

Any clues??

When a man is offered a hand shake it's etiquette for him to stand up.

I know that traditionally a woman should continue to be seated (if she is already) when offered a hand shake but, is this still the case in modern times?

I've been offered hand shakes when seated a couple of times recently and have continued to stay seated even though my instinct is to stand up. What is the correct thing to do?