19% is probably too much in the current economic situation, but then again, maybe if they did up the pay by that much maybe they wouldn't be haemorrhaging staff like they are at the minute. At least in the case of nurses, some of it would be paid for by not having to employ agency staff, at many times that cost, to cover the massive staff shortages. I also think that if the NHS was properly funded then a lot of the discontent of those working in it would disappear and they would start to feel more valued. As for how we pay for it (and all of the other costs we accrued during Covid) then I do think the vast majority of us should be paying more tax. I'd have raised all three tax bands, but also raised the tax allowance so that those on lower wages were least affected by it, and the very worst off not affected by it at all. I know I am lucky in that my income has more than doubled since the start of Covid and that many are far worse off, but there are plenty out there who could and should be paying more. If we don't then we are just passing the problems on to those who come after us.
Ultimately front line NHS etc deserve better than they have, but frankly 19% at this point in time is ludicrous, inflation is likely to peak in Jan and start to fall back . I'm assuming that the unions aren't going to go for an inflation related deal which sees a reduction when inflation reduces? You only need to look at Germany in the 30s and the UK in the 70s to see the effects of pay related inflation If you think it was genuinely freedom and not power with a side order of freedom, then I have some magic beans that might be of interest you ....
I've heard quite a few use this argument recently, but that isn't how inflation works. Even if/when inflation goes down it doesn't undo the increases that current inflation is causing, unless we went into a state of deflation.
Agreed re downward inflation, but continually increasing wages to match inflation rises generally generates price rises - and so the spiral continues
did you know the Scot’s built a monument to Wallace at Stirling after the movies was made and made it look like Mel Gibson. Complete with inaccurate face paint and inaccurate clothing.
Totally agree with that and that's why I think the vast majority of us should be content with a below inflation pay rise this year. However, I do think it needs to be targeted and balanced. The NHS is suffering a massive shortage in staffing numbers and moral. With such an important part of our society I do think there is a case, both moral and business, to look at them differently. The current situation is unsustainable due to years of under investment and waste.
Was that the statue they had to put in a cage because the locals hated it so much and kept vandalising it?
Exactly - although I think that there are huge inefficiencies and waste within the NHS that need to be addressed as well as ensuring front line staff are properly rewarded for their efforts
Yes, you're totally correct, and I'm now wanting to pay in as much pension as I can, but it was still a shock at the time . I've got no complaints really. Thanks for your kind words.
The way the NHS is funded is fundamentally flawed and needs a huge rework, its a black hole of money. You need a combination of a government with balls and unions to stop playing politics to fix it. These two things will never happen and the country is ****ed. Give me a problem and I'll explain why the country is ****ed
During last week's "Big Freeze" there was a distinct lack of roads and pavements gritted despite the large amount of time the councils had to prepare for this........Please explain
