Q I have recently joined a company where I am earning a pretty good, but frankly unspectacular salary. My boss drives an expensive Mercedes and, possibly because I am in a fairly senior position in the company, continually taunts me about my eight-year-old Ford Mondeo, suggesting that I need to work on my image as a high-flier by purchasing something more appropriate. My car is not much to look at, but runs perfectly well and I am quite happy with it. What should I do?

A For some people, cars are an important status symbol, a sign to the rest of the world that they have made it and can afford to splash out a little. For others, they are a means of getting from A to B. It is clear that you fall into the latter category and it is not really for your boss to try to convince you that you belong in the former.

Having said that, there may come a time when image is important from a business point of view. If, for instance, your job entails driving clients around from time to time, then - depending on the type of industry you work in - the car you drive may be important. If this is the case, however, then this is a problem for your boss to worry about, not you, and maybe the time has come for him to think about leasing you what he considers an appropriate company car if it is such a big deal to him.

Q I am a sales representative for an engineering firm. I have to fly regularly around the UK during the course of my work and recently, during an internal flight, the plane I was on suffered an engine fault and had to land almost immediately after taking off. It was a frightening experience as the plane dropped a few hundred feet and everybody on board was petrified. That was three weeks ago and, for two long distance appointments since then, I have caught the train - without telling my boss - instead of flying, as I am scared to go back up in the sky. As well as adding substantial extra time on to my day, I also had to pay the train fare. What do you suggest?

A It is easy for me to say, but my answer would be to get straight back on a plane as soon as possible. I know it is a clich, but the longer you leave it, the worse this problem will get. You need to get things in perspective here - flying is just about the safest form of transport there is. Even when things go wrong, as in your case, there are always safety mechanisms in place to make sure they are not fatal.

If you really think you cannot fly again at the moment, then talk it through with your boss. It is likely that he or she will be understanding, as most of us - if not being scared ourselves - can appreciate the fear of flying.

There are also many relaxation techniques that can help nervous flyers - have a look on the Internet and I am sure you will find plenty of advice. Failing that, a stiff drink at the airport bar before you board the plane always does the trick for me.

Q Our firm recently organised a black tie dinner for clients and associates which all staff are expected to attend. I have no problem with that, but do not own a dinner suit. Hiring one will cost me the best part of a day's wages and I do not think that is fair. Furthermore, I have been told that the table I am hosting will have a free single bottle of wine - ten minutes drinking time for the table.

According to our bosses, we have to pay for our own drinks above those provided, as well as asking our guests to pay for anything above their one complimentary glass of wine.

Am I just tight or is all this totally out of order?

A Sounds to me like your bosses are only prepared to push half the boat out for their clients, while being oblivious to the financial burden it puts on employees. I believe it is the responsibility of your employer that you have an adequate dinner suit and they should definitely pay for the hire. I also agree that it could be pretty embarrassing going round the guests at the end of the evening asking for contributions. Talk to a senior member of your staff and ask them to approach your bosses with your concerns - it may be that they just have not thought things through properly. Remember though, events like these can be very important to the future prosperity of the business and try not to see the evening as a chore. You never know, you might just enjoy it.

Q Out of the blue, I have been given the chance of going on a really cheap two-week holiday in July. I have asked for the time off, but my bosses say too many staff are already off and I can't go. I am not happy as I have yet to take a day this year, whereas all the others seem to have theirs booked up years in advance.

A Your situation is unfortunate, but not uncommon at this time of the year. Many people start thinking about booking their summer holidays around Christmas time, and some people even earlier than that. If you are in a company where people book their holidays earlier and the company cannot afford to have too many staff off at once, then the only way to get round this problem is to get yourself better organised and start booking your own holidays early. Speak to your boss and ask when you need to book in order to guarantee that you will be able to take the holiday when the time comes.

With your particular circumstances - where you have the chance of a cheap holiday - it may be worth pleading your case again with your boss. Explain that these would be the first days you have taken off this year and that you would not normally ask. Tell them also that you will work doubly hard before you go and when you come back in order to ensure your workload is not disrupted too much. If this doesn't work - and I would not hold my breath - then start thinking about next year.

How should I tackle staff over absenteeism?

Q I run my own business employing fewer than 20 staff. Summer is normally the busiest time of the year, so I am very concerned that Euro 2004 appears to be causing some absenteeism and poor timekeeping. The problem surfaced during the last World Cup, with my staff turning up for work late and stinking of booze. On some days, they did not turn up at all. Now it is a case of dj vu with Euro 2004. I don't really know how to handle this situation, because every time I confront one of them about it, they claim they have a legitimate excuse. What do you suggest?

A It is time you got tough, as it sounds like this lot are taking you for a ride. I am as up for a bit of fun as the next man, but when staff starting taking liberties, you need to take decisive action.

This time, lay down the law to them without delay. Make it clear that lateness and turning up for work in a dishevelled state will not be tolerated and may lead to a disciplinary hearing. This may seem harsh, but you are only protecting your business.

While doing this, the last thing you want to do is alienate your staff, so make it clear that you want to get into the spirit of the tournament. Tell them they can have the morning off after matches provided they make up the hours at the end of the day or at the weekend. They may also take it out of their holidays.

Above all, be firm but fair. Make it clear you are willing to be flexible during this important time for the England football team, but that you won't be made a fool of.

Published: 22/06/2004