Apprentice star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions, plus try our money-saving tips.

Here she gives a reader advice on the struggles of feeling resented when entering a company that is going through a consultation period.

Q) I recently joined a new company and only now have I learned that they’re going through a consultation period, which will result in some people being made redundant, although my role isn’t affected.

I probably wouldn’t have joined the firm had I known they were planning to cut staff, but more importantly, I’m sensing that my colleagues resent my hiring at such an uncertain time, as they haven’t been very welcoming.

I understand that they’re more concerned about the insecurity of their own futures, but it’s been a tough start for me, too.

Do you have any advice on how to get on better with my new workmates?

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Jane, via email

A) This is a difficult situation, but your biggest advantage here is that you can be honest and transparent with your colleagues.

You didn’t know that there were going to be redundancies when you joined, so it is as much a shock to you as it is to them.

Be yourself and don’t shy away from conversations, or your workmates may think you have something to hide.

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Be friendly, but don’t avoid what’s going on. If appropriate, say something like: “I’m sorry you’re going through the stress of possible redundancy, it must be such a worrying time. It’s very unsettling for everyone, and I had no idea of the situation before I joined, but if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.”

This way, you’re showing you were unaware, while also being compassionate.

The most important thing for you, though, is to do your job successfully.

Be patient and conscientious of people within the office, but don’t let your work suffer because of it.

•  Got a careers question for Karren? Email [email protected].

5 ways to save on… Filling up your car

From loyalty cards to new driving hacks, The Sun’s consumer reporter Sophie King explains how to drive your car for less.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Petrol prices vary from forecourt to forecourt, so use a comparison tool to find the cheapest near you.

Visit Petrolprices.com to see which station could save you money.

The amount will vary depending on what car you have and where you fill up, but according to the website, comparing prices could save some drivers £220 a year.

DRIVE EFFICIENTLY

The better your car works, the less you’ll pay to drive it.

Inflate your tyres to the correct pressure and get rid of any extra weight as the heavier your car is, the more fuel it will consume.

For example, according to Cargurus.co.uk, roof racks left on a vehicle not only add unnecessary weight, but they also change the aerodynamics of the car, and the increased wind resistance can inflate your fuel bill by about 10%. 

AVOID PREMIUM PETROL

Drivers sometimes opt for premium unleaded over standard fuel.

It’s pricier, and the chances are you don’t need it, unless you have a high-performance car.

On average, premium fuel costs 10p more per litre, so if you’re topping up a 55-litre family car, you could be paying an extra £5.50 unnecessarily.

USE LOYALTY SCHEMES

Supermarket loyalty schemes will save you cash on fuel.

At a Tesco petrol station, you can collect 1 point on your Tesco Clubcard for every £2 you spend on fuel, or collect 1 point for every £3 you spend at an Esso petrol station.

You’ll get a £1.50 voucher for every 150 points you collect. Esso has partnered with Nectar, where you can get 5p off a litre when you swap 300 Nectar points – you get one point for every qualifying £1 spent at Sainsbury’s.

Similarly, Shell Go+ customers can get money off fuel for every 10 visits.

Discounts vary, but shoppers can get around 3% off their fuel purchase, so if you’re spending £60, you’ll get £1.80 off.

SHARE LIFTS

Buddy up with friends and family and share the cost of your commute to work or school run.

Ask your workplace if there’s a car-sharing group you can join, or download the apps GoCarShare and Liftshare for free and locate other drivers to buddy up on journeys with.

Liftshare says its users save an average of £1,000 a year.

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