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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: STMO123 on 12 February 2013, 10:55:00

Title: Another blow for the government
Post by: STMO123 on 12 February 2013, 10:55:00
http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21426928

This, along with the ATOS controversy, could undermine welfare and work policy even further. Cameron was warned about this.
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: Varche on 12 February 2013, 10:59:37
 ???
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: albitz on 12 February 2013, 11:13:13
In the U.S. its called internship. People often start their careers in that way and work hard to to impress and work their way up.I dont see anything wrong in it,as long as the unpaid period is short and companies arent allowed to form a habit of shipping one out and another one in purely to get menial work done for nothing.
If all involved approach it with good intentions it could work well.
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: STMO123 on 12 February 2013, 11:20:15
In the U.S. its called internship. People often start their careers in that way and work hard to to impress and work their way up.I dont see anything wrong in it,as long as the unpaid period is short and companies arent allowed to form a habit of shipping one out and another one in purely to get menial work done for nothing.
If all involved approach it with good intentions it could work well.
It's against the law if people are forced into it. Slavery...as the appeal court has just ruled.
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: STMO123 on 12 February 2013, 11:21:06
I doubt many post grads would want an internship at poundland. ::)
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: aaronjb on 12 February 2013, 11:25:32
I doubt many post grads would want an internship at poundland. ::)

No, but there are many minimum wage entry level jobs they could do while they look for their ideal job as a celebrity in new media with their degree in navel gazing media studies without even being forced into it... but that'd be beneath them, I suppose.
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: STMO123 on 12 February 2013, 11:28:22
I doubt many post grads would want an internship at poundland. ::)

No, but there are many minimum wage entry level jobs they could do while they look for their ideal job as a celebrity in new media with their degree in navel gazing media studies without even being forced into it... but that'd be beneath them, I suppose.

Bit of a sweeping generalisation but, of course, nothing new.
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: STMO123 on 12 February 2013, 11:30:07
No doubt someone will be along soon to tell us it's all the fault of those pesky socialists.  ::)
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: albitz on 12 February 2013, 11:35:56
See,thats why we are in the mess were in tbh,and how we are gaining a reputation as a country that has to import its workforce because we dont want to work.If you need a job and an employer says you can come and work in their company for a couple of weeks so they can get an idea how good you are,you should jump at the chance imo.
Maybe it should be against the law to take half my wages off me and give it to someone who doesnt work ? To me thats much worse than this so called slavery.
A post grad should maybe be thinking that if nothing else is available,they could start at the bottom at poundland and be running the company before they are 40.Or maybe they are a post grad in nail care or similar?
As much as anything it demonstrates that far too many people are going to uni,and taking so called degrees that arent worth the paper they are written on when they have to go out into the real world.
Someone I know decided at 18 that a degree wasnt the way to  go thses days,so post A levels got a job 70 miles from home on around £16kp.a. before tax etc and travelling costs.It involved getting up at 5a.m. and getting home at between 8.p.m and 10p.m. ,3 trains and 2 tubes involved each way every day.
They worked hard (very hard) and ended up on £65k pa plus bonuses (sometimes big ones) and lots of other benefits,including free business trips to New York.
Theres no free lunches Steve,but if people are prepared to graft hard enough,its there for the taking.
I wish I had known all this when I was a bone idle teenager. ::) ;D
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: STMO123 on 12 February 2013, 11:44:37
This particular post grad studied biology, not nail care. She, and others, including people a lot older, thought that perhaps the government was going too far was maybe even breaking the law. They have been proved right but never doubt the governments ability to ignore that ruling and go to the supreme court.
There are a lot of people on here who spout righteous nonsense and, if put in a similar position, would scream blue murder.
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: aaronjb on 12 February 2013, 11:48:07
There are a lot of people on here who spout righteous nonsense and, if put in a similar position, would scream blue murder.

There are also people who work in well paid technical jobs and volunteer their time to charities freely, without needing prompting from the government to do it, and who started out in their first job as a street sweeper..
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: STMO123 on 12 February 2013, 11:50:06
There are a lot of people on here who spout righteous nonsense and, if put in a similar position, would scream blue murder.

There are also people who work in well paid technical jobs and volunteer their time to charities freely, without needing prompting from the government to do it, and who started out in their first job as a street sweeper..
There you go then. A good cross-section without the need to generalise. :y
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: albitz on 12 February 2013, 11:54:35
If I had a degree in Biology and there was no market for my skills currently in this country,I would be looking abroad to take my skills where I could get a good job with those skills.Surely thats a better option than being "forced into slave labour" in Poundland.
Tbh,the story doesnt really add up to me.Someone who has a degree in Biology is living on benefits and has no employment prospects whatsoever other than to work for free in Poundland ? Strange to say the least. :-\
Btw,I have worked for nothing in the past.Employer hit hard times and I had work I really wanted to get done at the weekend.They said they couldnt afford to pay overtime so I went in and did the work anyway without clocking on or telling anyone I had been there. ;)
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: STMO123 on 12 February 2013, 12:03:50
Well done, Albs :y

I wonder how many people would loose their jobs if we all did that. :-\
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: albitz on 12 February 2013, 12:19:05
Or how many businesses which go bust would have been able to survive and continue to employ people if more employees did that ?  :-\

Or am I saying the same thing in a different way ? Hard to tell when your being sarcastic. ;D
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: STMO123 on 12 February 2013, 12:23:42
I think the fact that you hid it from your workmates tells me all I need to know. ;)
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: albitz on 12 February 2013, 12:28:03
Didnt hide it from my workmates at all.I hid it from my boss,but they found out on Monday when it was noticed by workmates that all the mess they had been whining about had been cleared up over the weekend.Word then got back to the boss,which was  :-[
Didnt want to look like a creeparse,just committed to doing a good job for its own sake. ;)
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 12 February 2013, 12:30:08
This particular post grad studied biology, not nail care. She, and others, including people a lot older, thought that perhaps the government was going too far was maybe even breaking the law. They have been proved right but never doubt the governments ability to ignore that ruling and go to the supreme court.
There are a lot of people on here who spout righteous nonsense and, if put in a similar position, would scream blue murder.

Agreed Steve! :y :y :y :y :y

I started on £5. 10s a week, and worked up to 16 hours a day.  It was my learning curve and training in retail management, that I willing did.  But to work for nothing for any company is completely out of order and who would do that willingly?!!

A good call by the judges for once! :y :y :y
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 12 February 2013, 12:38:08
If I had a degree in Biology and there was no market for my skills currently in this country,I would be looking abroad to take my skills where I could get a good job with those skills.Surely thats a better option than being "forced into slave labour" in Poundland.
Tbh,the story doesnt really add up to me.Someone who has a degree in Biology is living on benefits and has no employment prospects whatsoever other than to work for free in Poundland ? Strange to say the least. :-\
Btw,I have worked for nothing in the past.Employer hit hard times and I had work I really wanted to get done at the weekend.They said they couldnt afford to pay overtime so I went in and did the work anyway without clocking on or telling anyone I had been there. ;)


That is the real crime in all this.  Highly qualified, keen young people, are struggling to find any work, let alone the type of work they are qualified for.  Without full employment opportunities there are thousands upon thousands of these bright individuals going to waste due to successive governments destructive policies that have failed to develop our manufacturing industries, instead favouring the financial market. :( :(
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: albitz on 12 February 2013, 14:06:02
Or,to look at it another way.Arent we forever saying that those on benefits should be made to work for their benefits (providing they are physically able to do so) ?
Isnt that exactly what this is ? Wont it be of some help in stopping the rot which sets in with some people,who get used to a life sat around doing nothing constructive,and stay on benefits forever ?
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: cleggy on 12 February 2013, 14:21:25
There are a lot of people on here who spout righteous nonsense and, if put in a similar position, would scream blue murder.

There are also people who work in well paid technical jobs and volunteer their time to charities freely, without needing prompting from the government to do it, and who started out in their first job as a street sweeper..

Trigger  :y  Same brush, just new handles and heads ;D ;D ;D

Isn't the scheme just a way for the government to reduce the unemployment figures ???
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: STMO123 on 12 February 2013, 14:31:34
Or,to look at it another way.Arent we forever saying that those on benefits should be made to work for their benefits (providing they are physically able to do so) ?
Isnt that exactly what this is ? Wont it be of some help in stopping the rot which sets in with some people,who get used to a life sat around doing nothing constructive,and stay on benefits forever ?
There are two sides to every coin, Albs, and, while I broadly agree with that, there are certain companies who will see it as an opportunity to take people off the dole for free rather than hire a full/part time worker.
I am not some kind of anti-capitalist who rigidly sticks to a left-wing agenda. I, like so many others, just want fairness. Unfortunately, according to the government, we can't afford fairness. A prime example was taking child benefit from families where one earned 60K while allowing two people earning 100K to keep it. They said it would be too expensive to implement. Well........the fair option would have been to leave it alone altogether.
This govt is making a lot of enemies among all classes.
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: albitz on 12 February 2013, 14:43:22
I wouldnt disagree with most of that Steve.As for child benefit its a shambles.Imo it should be abolished altogether.Generally speaking if you have kids you should bear the cost of raising them,rather than expect people in work and paying too much tax to do it for you..If you fall on hard times,then benefits should be available to help to prevent going hungery,homelessness etc.
The welfare state was set up to help the genuinely needy.It was gradually transformed into a method of redistributuion of wealth by another name.Hence we end up in ludicrous arguments about people earning just over £50k p.a. losing out while couples on almost £100k still get it.
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: aaronjb on 12 February 2013, 14:44:09
This particular post grad studied biology, not nail care. She, and others, including people a lot older, thought that perhaps the government was going too far was maybe even breaking the law. They have been proved right but never doubt the governments ability to ignore that ruling and go to the supreme court.
There are a lot of people on here who spout righteous nonsense and, if put in a similar position, would scream blue murder.

Agreed Steve! :y :y :y :y :y

I started on £5. 10s a week, and worked up to 16 hours a day.  It was my learning curve and training in retail management, that I willing did.  But to work for nothing for any company is completely out of order and who would do that willingly?!!

A good call by the judges for once! :y :y :y

My girlfriend, for one, and everyone else who volunteers for any charity? I know you said 'company' but (to me) charities are just companies that aim to make no profit..

Almost every single charity shop you see, for example (with the exception of, I think, the British Heart Foundation), has two paid members of staff - a manager and assistant manager - and everyone else there is a volunteer.
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: aaronjb on 12 February 2013, 14:57:46
Incidentally I remember this girl being in the news originally; her objection (at least as it was stated then) wasn't that she was being forced to work in poundland for free, but rather that she was being forced to give up her volunteer position in a museum in favour of 'volunteering' at poundland.

And there, I have to agree with her; which, really, gives the most benefit to the country? Free employees for poundland to maintain their profit levels or someone freely giving their time to a non-profit organisation for the benefit of everyone?
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: cleggy on 12 February 2013, 15:19:32
I wouldnt disagree with most of that Steve.As for child benefit its a shambles.Imo it should be abolished altogether.Generally speaking if you have kids you should bear the cost of raising them,rather than expect people in work and paying too much tax to do it for you..If you fall on hard times,then benefits should be available to help to prevent going hungery,homelessness etc.The welfare state was set up to help the genuinely needy.It was gradually transformed into a method of redistributuion of wealth by another name.Hence we end up in ludicrous arguments about people earning just over £50k p.a. losing out while couples on almost £100k still get it.

Now that I entirely agree with, plus tax credits, free housing etc that  might stop the Womb for Benefits culture
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: STMO123 on 12 February 2013, 15:31:52
I wouldnt disagree with most of that Steve.As for child benefit its a shambles.Imo it should be abolished altogether.Generally speaking if you have kids you should bear the cost of raising them,rather than expect people in work and paying too much tax to do it for you..If you fall on hard times,then benefits should be available to help to prevent going hungery,homelessness etc.
The welfare state was set up to help the genuinely needy.It was gradually transformed into a method of redistributuion of wealth by another name.Hence we end up in ludicrous arguments about people earning just over £50k p.a. losing out while couples on almost £100k still get it.
Once again, I agree. But....we seem to be stuck with a choice of two complete opposites. When labour are in power the 'needy' are spoiled rotten and when the tories get in they are shat on from a great height.
Would we really think any less of our political leaders if both sides got together now and again and thrashed out a compromise that would continue no matter who got into power? Obviously not on the everyday running of government, that would be the end of democracy, but on the matters such as pensions, elderly care and benefits, so people had some certainty for longer than the five year parliament.
They do it in times of national emergency and I think this financial crisis could do untold damage for future generations.
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: albitz on 12 February 2013, 15:32:19
Tax credits is another example of redistribution of wealth in a Marxoid fashion. They tax you at a predetermined level,then if you meet criteria set by them,they will at their discretion repay some of it to you,as a form of benefit.
Those who are not wise to the thinking behind it are then grateful for this "gift" from the state,become convinced they are dependant upon the state for their financial wellbeing,and of course,will vote for the party who "gives them  the most of their own money back - which they shouldnt have taken in the first place.
Its a clever way of continuing the job they have already completed on people on long term benefits.They become convinced that they cant survive (even in the boom years which have recently come to an end)without the state giving them other peoples money.
Then start on the people you are taking the money from - give them some of it back,and if they cant see the wood for the trees,they will be grateful.Gordon McRuin was many things (most of them  not fit for OOF,s word sensor) but he wasnt stupid.
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: albitz on 12 February 2013, 15:35:20
I wouldnt disagree with most of that Steve.As for child benefit its a shambles.Imo it should be abolished altogether.Generally speaking if you have kids you should bear the cost of raising them,rather than expect people in work and paying too much tax to do it for you..If you fall on hard times,then benefits should be available to help to prevent going hungery,homelessness etc.
The welfare state was set up to help the genuinely needy.It was gradually transformed into a method of redistributuion of wealth by another name.Hence we end up in ludicrous arguments about people earning just over £50k p.a. losing out while couples on almost £100k still get it.
Once again, I agree. But....we seem to be stuck with a choice of two complete opposites. When labour are in power the 'needy' are spoiled rotten and when the tories get in they are shat on from a great height.
Would we really think any less of our political leaders if both sides got together now and again and thrashed out a compromise that would continue no matter who got into power? Obviously not on the everyday running of government, that would be the end of democracy, but on the matters such as pensions, elderly care and benefits, so people had some certainty for longer than the five year parliament.
They do it in times of national emergency and I think this financial crisis could do untold damage for future generations.

Again,I would agree with most of that.Things like pensions and care of the elderly should be above being used as political footballs (they probably were at one time) but the shower of shite (in all parties) who are in parliament these days dont understand that.
The problem is that on the one hand,Labour will always use the tax/benefits system completely cynically to buy votes & loyalty.Traditionally the Tories would get voted in when Labour economic incomptetence had created a mess they couldnt get out of,and the Tories would be the nasty party and do what had to be done to get the economy back on its feet.
The current lot though,seem to be almost as useless as Labour with the economy,and just as cynical in other ways.
Clueless and out of touch just as their critics say they are.Having said that,the whole political class is clueless and completely out of touch these days,so realisitically - were facked. ;D
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: STMO123 on 12 February 2013, 15:38:06
Right......sorted.....can I have a kiss now?
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 12 February 2013, 15:39:43
This particular post grad studied biology, not nail care. She, and others, including people a lot older, thought that perhaps the government was going too far was maybe even breaking the law. They have been proved right but never doubt the governments ability to ignore that ruling and go to the supreme court.
There are a lot of people on here who spout righteous nonsense and, if put in a similar position, would scream blue murder.

Agreed Steve! :y :y :y :y :y

I started on £5. 10s a week, and worked up to 16 hours a day.  It was my learning curve and training in retail management, that I willing did.  But to work for nothing for any company is completely out of order and who would do that willingly?!!

A good call by the judges for once! :y :y :y

My girlfriend, for one, and everyone else who volunteers for any charity? I know you said 'company' but (to me) charities are just companies that aim to make no profit..

Almost every single charity shop you see, for example (with the exception of, I think, the British Heart Foundation), has two paid members of staff - a manager and assistant manager - and everyone else there is a volunteer.

Yes, I did.  That was because in the article about this student she had to give up a voluntary job at a museum and go to Poundland because the authorities demanded she do so to justify her benefits.

I personally have, and still do, voluntary work, but that is my choice on my own terms.  For the Government to force individuals to work for nothing for wealthy companies is wrong, very wrong!

 :)

PS Sorry aaron, just noted your post stating basically what I have!  Great minds eh?! :D :D :y
Title: Re: Another blow for the government
Post by: albitz on 12 February 2013, 15:41:17
Wouldnt even kiss a female scouser. :P ;D ;D