Opinions on how the Government have handled the coronavirus outbreak

[savvypaul]

I knew what you meant...

[karatestu]

Many people furloughed and being paid 80% of their wages are obviously getting this money and not working. A lot will be getting paid more to do nothing than the key workers (the most under paid and under valued) who are risking their lives every time they go to do a twelve hour shift. This is not fair.

[SteveTheShadow]

There is an individual cap on the furlough scheme but, yes, many will still receive more than care workers and shop assistants.

Rates of pay are market driven in normal times, but in exceptional times these workers still do not have the collective power to command higher payments. Some shops are paying bonuses to their workers during this phase but many care homes are already in a deeply precarious financial position.

In 2010, 2015, 2017 & 2019, the country voted (under first past the post) to elect a party with stated aims(and proven history) of implementing austerity, shrinking public services, worsening workers conditions and stifling trade unions.

Those who voted that way will say that there were lots of other good reasons to do so, which is fair enough, it is personal choice. My point, on this occasion, is not to castigate Tory voters but to point out that where we have ended up is absolutely fair...because it is what was voted for.

[Daniel Quinn]

Economy's are nothing more than the circulation of money or resources. Money flows quicker and more inclusive if its distributed more equally.

Put simply its better for society if 30 million families spend the cash in the supermarket, than an elite spend the same money on ferraris and yachts.

[slinger]

A Tweet from one of my favourite social commentators...

Frankie Boyle
@frankieboyle

It seems there are some drawbacks to electing people who are fundamentally indifferent to human life.
10:22 AM · Apr 16, 2020·Twitter Web App

[Daniel Quinn]

Tonight, I'll be at my door again to applaud and cheer for our carers.

Here's the applause and cheers the Tory Party gave themselves when they turned down pay rises for nurses just a couple of years ago...

[slinger]

This one aged well...

[Hifi Architect]

Put simply its better for society if 30 million families spend the cash in the supermarket, than an elite spend the same money on ferraris and yachts.
[/quote]

This assumes both are optional. Virtually everyone, including the elite, have to eat therefore shop at supermarkets. However the purchase of yachts and sports cars is optional and to a significant portion of your 30million families, essential. If the elite decide not to purchase luxury goods the ordinary people will be out of work and will not have any disposal cash of their own.

[Daniel Quinn]

People who make ferraris and yachts will be employed elsewhere making goods for everybody, who will spend the money the elites squander.

Economies are nothing more than the circulation of monies. The same money will be circulating it will just be spent differently.

[Hifi Architect]

People who make ferraris and yachts will be employed elsewhere making goods for everybody, who will spend the money the elites squander.

Economies are nothing more than the circulation of monies. The same money will be circulating it will just be spent differently.

Exactly my point. It makes no real difference as long as the money is spent.