Ben’s manager said next year’s holiday requests would be first come, first served on Monday morning.
Ben arrived outside the office on Sunday with a camping chair and a flask.
On Monday, his manager approved the dates, then asked why Ben was still holding out his hand….
Ben wanted the first week of August off. His wife had found a seaside cottage, and their children had already chosen beds from the photos.
At work, six other people wanted the same week.
The manager decided there would be no more arguments. Requests would open at nine on Monday morning. First come, first served.
Ben asked whether there were any other rules.
The manager said there weren’t.
At six on Sunday evening, Ben put a camping chair beside the office entrance. He had a flask, sandwiches and his holiday form in a plastic folder.
The cleaner arrived at seven.
Have you lost your keys? she asked.
No. I’m booking a cottage.
She looked up at the office building and went inside.
At midnight, a security guard found him eating a sandwich. Ben showed him the form.
The guard said he could put it through the letterbox.
Ben explained that a letterbox couldn’t confirm he was first.
The guard signed the back of the form to say he’d seen him there. Ben asked him to include the time.
By eight on Monday, three colleagues had joined him. One had brought pastries. Another had brought her form and a story about terrible traffic.
Ben pointed to the guard’s signature.
At nine, the manager opened the door.
How long have you been here?
Since six yesterday.
The manager stared at the camping chair.
You spent the night outside for a week off?
Ben said the cottage had a sea view.
The manager took the form, approved the dates and handed it back. Ben folded his chair, but kept one hand out.
What else do you want? the manager asked.
Where do I claim the overtime?
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