People live longer today, but most people stop working when they are 65 years old. However, not everyone retires at 65.
Some companies have employees who are in their 70s, 80s and even 90s. Britains oldest employee, Buster Martin, cleans vans part-time for Pimlico Plumbers. He is 101 years old next month. The company also employs a 78-year-old driver and a personal assistant who is 66. Charlie Mullins, Managing Director and owner, says: We dont have a retirement age. If they can do the job and want to stay on, they can. Its their choice.
Why do people work if they do not have to? Some people just like being busy and useful. Companies employ older workers because they have experience, are polite and work hard.
Reed Boardall is another company that employs older people. Keith Boardall, Managing Director, is 72, but works from nine to six every day. His oldest employee is 88 and looks after the vehicles.
The Co-operative Group also employs older people. Edwin Boxall, one of the Co-ops older employees, works part-time as a post-office manager: Im 75 on my next birthday and I might retire then. But Im quite fit and I enjoy work, so why cant I continue?
4 Shut the book and listen to the text. You should understand the text completely.
5 Discuss the following questions:
a) At what age do most people retire in Russia?
b) Do you think its a good idea to have a fixed age for retirement?
c) When would you like to retire?
d) Do you think there are any problems employing older people?
GRAMMAR FOCUS 2 can / cant
i We use can to talk about ability
He can write computer programmes.
She can fly a helicopter.
ii We use can to ask for permission.
Can I make a phone call, please? - Yes, go ahead.
Can we park in this space? - Sorry, you cant park here. Its reserved.
iii We use can to talk about what is possible.
Can you come next Thursday? - Sorry, Im afraid I have another appointment.
Can we put another desk in here? - No, the room is too small.
iv We do not use to after can.
NOT *She can to ride a motorbike.
ASSIGNMENTS
A Put the questions in the right column according to the meaning of can.
| can (ability) | can (permission) | can (what is possible) |
1 Can we fly direct from Rome to Tashkent?
2 Can you use the new photocopier?
3 Can she speak Russian?
4 Can I use your computer?
5 Where can I buy phone cards?
6 Excuse me. Can I open the window?
7 Can you hear me now?
8 Can I just make a phone call, please?
9 Can we go to the airport by underground?
B Read and translate this article adapted from the Financial Times paying special attention to the verb
can / cant.
HOW TO SACK A FRIEND.
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I have to sack my friend or fire someone better
Three years ago, I became my friends boss. At first, this was fine, but now the company is downsizing, and I have to sack someone. My friend is lazy and unhappy, and is the weakest person. I dont know how I can fire him. But I cant fire someone who works better.
Lucy Kellaway: The Answer
Firing people is difficult, and firing friends is really hard. Keeping your friend and sacking someone who is better is bad for them and for your company. You could resign and avoid the problem. But this helps nobody. You have to do the right thing as a manager and forget your friendship.
Reader suggestions
A Firing your friend may be good for him. It happened to me, and I was unhappy at first, but I got
a better job with more money.
B Discuss the situation with your friend. Give him goals to reach. If he agrees, sack the most
junior person. If he doesnt, sack him. It is his decision.
C Ive been in exactly the same position. Fire your friend, but help him find a new job. Tell
everyone you know about him and help him plan his future.
C Decide whether these sentences are true or false:
a) The writer is his friends boss. ______
b) His friend is a good worker. ______
c) Lucy Kellaway says firing people is easy. ______
d) She says the writer must do the right thing for the company. ______
e) Reader A now has a better job. ______
f) Reader B advises the writer to talk to his friend. ______
g) Reader C suggests the writer helps his friend to find a new job. _____
D Answer the questions:
1 Would you like to work in the same company as your friends? Why (not)?
2 Do you think it would be difficult if your friend was your boss?
3 Which of the suggestions from the article do you think is best?
4 Have you got any other suggestions?
3.3 VOCABULARY BOOSTER PREPOSITIONS in, at, on
A Complete the sentences with at, in or on.
1 Our departmental meeting is Friday afternoon.
2 I dont like meetings the morning.
3 The first interview is 17 December.
4 The second interview is . January.
5 When he travels all day, he cant sleep . night.
6 She usually visits our head office .. the autumn.
7 They never work .. the weekend.
8 Are you free Wednesday?
9 Susan sometimes works .. Saturdays.
10 Do you often go out the evening?
11 He starts his first meeting .. 8:30.
B One word is missing in each of these sentences. Find its place and write it in.
1 Some of my colleagues love listening hard rock.
2 My boss and I dont like watching football TV.
3 My colleagues and I often go to the cinema Saturdays.
4 I quite like reading, but I hate to the radio.
5 Our new secretary sometimes tennis at the weekend.
6 How often do you go abroad holiday?
E Complete the time phrases in the sentences with at or in. Write Ø if no word is missing.
1 Can I see you next Tuesday?
2 Theyll deliver the goods the end of the month.
3 We need to have a meeting . This afternoon.
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4 The office closes .. 6.00 p.m.
5 Theres a staff party . Every December.
6 Our visitors arrive . three hours time.
7 She worked very hard last winter.
8 Hurry up! The bank closes . ten minutes.
9 He traveled to China . 1999.
10 Im sorry. Mrs Moors in a meeting .. the moment.
DISCOVER THE RULE
Study the ten sentences above and complete the rule:
We do not use at / in / on before next, .., . or in a time phrase.
