When the fixtures were released there was something on the BBC site, and posted on here, about how the fixtures were arranged. Due to teams not being able to play at home when others are and it mentioned Southend I think.
Edit: here it is
BBC - BBC Sport: Paul Fletcher: Secrets of the fixture...
24/08/2009 16:26:37 Chelsea @ 1/7
Liverpool @ 8/15
Tottenham @ 2/5
Man City @ 4/7
Newcastle @ 3/4
Huddersfield @ 1/2
6 Folds, 1 bet * £1.00 1.00 10.12
mine last week :)
Going back to the SPP issue, I have quite a lot of sympathy for small employers and SMP/SSP and I'm not surprised they are only offering the statutory rate. If you cant afford it then take some holiday instead.
As a guess, not sure about the effect of a fixed term contract, but even if she has to claim SMP from the state she should still be entitled to 6 weeks 90% and the rest at £123 a week (which will go up a bit in April 2010).
Have a look here for more info
HM Revenue Customs: Pay and time off...