Crikey

Money for job referral at Sensis. Sensis staff were still reeling from recent job losses when they saw this on the company intranet today:

“We haven’t even had the farewell lunches for our colleagues made redundant, whose last day is today,” writes our insider. “This is massively insensitive and cynical. Very poor form.” CEO Bruce Akhurst announced 80 redundancies on Tuesday as part of “transitioning Sensis to a digitally-led business”. Here’s his message to staff:

Small beer from Coles website glitch. When Coles spruiked $15 slabs of beer on its website customers thought they’d found a bargain. It was a mistake, of course, and the supermarket giant isn’t feeling charitable. “A few of my mates caught the super cheap James Squire and Coopers cases on Coles Online the other night,” writes a Crikey reader, “only to get the following email late yesterday evening.” Apparently some people who were the first to order the cases had them delivered. For the rest, $15 credit is small beer for what they expected …

From: Online.CustomerCare@coles.com.au
To: Online.CustomerCare@coles.com.au
Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:49:13 +1100
Subject: Incorrect Beer Prices

Dear Customer,

Thank you for your email and using Coles Online.

Two beer lines were inadvertently listed with the wrong price on our Coles Online website on Tuesday evening, Coopers Sparkling Ale Bottle 375mL 24pk & James Squire Golden Ale 345mL Bottles 24pk. Unfortunately we will not be able to supply these lines at the earlier incorrect prices, and the correct price for these lines is now displayed on the website.

We consider that our actions on this occasion, in accordance with the terms of our Customer Agreement have been conducted reasonably and lawfully, having regard to all circumstances.

Coles Online takes it compliance obligations seriously and is confident that it has, at all times, complied with fair trading requirements.

We apologise for any inconvenience this pricing error has caused. We have added a $15 credit to your Coles Online account should you wish to reorder these lines with us at the correct price or order any other lines through our Coles Online service.

Yours sincerely,
Customer Care - Coles Online

Super wait for Queensland poll. Don’t bet on a Queensland election this year or even next. As one local spy points out: “The reality is Andrew ‘Boy Napoleon’ Fraser and his parliamentary cohort don’t click the superannuation meter until February 14.”

Political player in bar room brawl. From Victorian political circles, this from the 3AW Rumour File this morning: “Caller Overrefreshed says a Spring Street identity was asked to leave a northern suburbs establishment last weekend, as he was drunk and smashing glasses.” Oh dear. But who?