Notice how this memo takes the opportunity to announce the retirement; advise everyone of the new appointment; thank the ex-Managing Director, and welcome his successor; inform the staff there will be no changes in policy; and announce a meeting. Therefore, you can see that it is not necessary to confine a memo to a specific topic, as long as there is a link between the subjects. However, a memo that dealt all at once with, say, canteen facilities, punctuality, and a new accounting system, would not be read properly, or would confuse those who read it.
15.2.4
Automation
This memo is issued to employees to explain that automated machinery is being introduced into the factory, but that job security will not be affected.
Questions
1. Why are the machines being introduced?
2. Will they mean redundancies?
3. How will they help employees?
4. Who have the management negotiated with for the introduction of the machines?
5. Which words in the memo correspond to the following: enlarge; expand; output; learning new skills; putting in (equipment); servicing?
Panton Manufacturing Ltd. MEMO
Panton Works, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW6 2BQ
to: All employees Date: 6 February 20—
From: The Managing Director
As part of the company's expansion programme over the next year, we are introducing RS 100 and DS100 machines which will increase productivity and lower costs of production to make us more competitive in overseas markets.
The new machinery will not in any way affect employees' job security, but will ensure it, as it will make us more efficient. It will also release men from boring, dirty jobs, and allow retraining for more technical and interesting work here.
Union representatives have already been consulted and have promised their co-operation in installing and maintaining the machinery. If any employee feels apprehensive about the changes, they should see their Union representative who will explain the situation to them.
D. Panton
Managing Director
MEMORANDUM
L Franksen PLC
Prince of Wales Road, Sheffield S9 4EX
to All employees Date: 15 July 20—
From: The Managing Director
Cutting output and redundancies
The company has been running at a loss for the past three years, due to rising costs of production and a fall in demand for our products because of the economic situation.
It is therefore with regret that we have to announce that one third of the work force will be made redundant over the next month as production will be cut by forty per cent.
Those employees affected will be advised within the next fortnight and will receive full severance pay, plus holiday pay, which, we hope, will help them until they find new jobs.
We express our sympathies to those affected and would like to thank them for their help in the past and their co-operation in these unfortunate circumstances.
L. Franksen
Managing Director
15.2.5
Redundancies
Questions
1. Why is the company making redundancies?
2. How many people will be affected?
3. What is going to happen to production?
4. What compensation is offered to those affected?
5. When will those being made redundant be advised?