IF you think you've got problems, you should try answering Margaret Foster's telephone for a day.

For Margaret has learned to expect the unexpected and no two days at work are ever the same for her.

One thing's for certain, though, she knows she is going to spend her time facing problems -- albeit other people's.

You could forgive Margaret approaching her work with some degree of trepidation, but no, she loves it!

For 18 months Margaret has been a team member, working on the special telephone advice line set up by First Business Support, health and safety and employment specialists in Rawtenstall, to augment the firm's services to clients with help, support and guidance on employment law and procedures.

"It's been an amazing learning curve for me," confessed Margaret, who is one of a dedicated, and expanding, unit of seven advisers. "We are in new offices, purposely designed, and there are soon to be nine of us working together. Between us, we are equipped to address any problem relating to employment law and related topics.

"Our aim is to advise and prepare our clients to follow correct procedures, hopefully to avoid tribunals. But if we do go to court and we have done our job properly, we can avoid awards and costs for our clients through an indemnity scheme.

"The offices are manned from 8.30am to 6pm, but a rota system then kicks in and someone is available on the line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year -- yes, including Christmas Day!

"Employment legislation is extremely complex and changing constantly. It is vital for us to keep up to speed in order to offer clients the best possible advice."

It is clearly a job which involves people, often with deep-seated problems, emotional issues and where the stakes can be high.

"It's a growing field," said Margaret. "In the past, I suppose there were not so many claims against employers. It's a different culture these days and everyone has to be aware, minimise risks and adapt accordingly. And when situations do occur, it's crucial for employers to get the right advice and to follow correct procedures -- or they will pay the price!"

The demand for this advice is already huge, and growing. Margaret said: "Even in my relatively short time here, there's been a marked increase. Once, recently, a member of our 'on-call' staff fielded 27 'out of hours' calls from clients seeking help in a single weekend! The job has so much variety -- whenever you pick up the telephone you never know where it's going to lead you. I suppose that's why I enjoy it so much.

"Helping people, solving problems, settling issues, it can be very positive and rewarding when your advice helps to achieve a satisfactory outcome."

Tackling other people's problems head-on can't always be easy and Margaret admits there can be a downside.

"Even if things are going well, it can be very stressful. We are bound to be drawn in and get fully involved and often we are dealing with highly confidential information.

"Moving from call to call can be difficult as it's hard to distance yourself from one issue before starting afresh on another.

"Our phones are ringing constantly and we deal with each enquiry as it comes in. Every single call is different, ranging from a simple general enquiry, to a huge discrimination problem, bullying, harassment or redundancies. It's the variety and the unexpected elements that keep you on your toes.

"And remember we are all equal in our team -- same job description, same conditions of work, same pay -- there is no discrimination here!"

Luckily, she has a surprise plan of escape: "I often leave work with my head pounding as I'm revisiting the day's developments in my mind. Thankfully, the drive back home helps me to switch off... and then I play darts!

"My eldest daughter Nicola and I have just reached the doubles final of the district championships and it's a great way to unwind... if you get my point!"