The something for nothing culture is alive and well
Every morning, about a mile from here, there is a gang of youths hanging about on the pavement on a street corner, near some shops.
Some are skinheads, some wear tracksuits or shell suits, some have piercing or tattoos...some casually dressed, there ar a couple of goths or emo kids and some are sharply dressed in suits and ties. At least in part, it is the kind of gathering that the likes of the Daily Fail would normally say are terrorising our neighbourhoods....except, this is first thing in the morning.
Among the shops, the building they gather outside is a place that offers on the spot work. You go there first thing in the morning and if chosen, you've got a days labour, with a day's pay. Despite the fact that they are missing Jeremy Kyle, a large number of people gather there every single morning.
Likewise, many firms are reporting that there is a huge application list for EVERY job they offer. Im some areas, reportedly, there are more than 40 applicants for every job. So, where is this 'something for nothing' culture that keeps getting mentioned in the media? The answer is that it's alive and well in the UK.
In the last few weeks, despite announcing losses of two billion, bankers at the Royal Bank of Scotland have paid themselves over a billion in bonuses - on top of six figure salaries. Their pay - the thing that they get for doing their jobs - is such that I could only envisage in my wildest dreams, but, surely, when making such huge losses the obscene bonuses are surely something for nothing.
Also, in the last few years, many MPs - from all the major parties have been taking something for nothing in the form of expenses. Of course, there is nothing wrong with claiming back money that they would have to pay out in order to do their job, whether that means stationary, transport costs or even housing for those that live outside London. That said, when expenses are paid for moat-dredging, duck houses or porn films, that really is something for nothing.
Admittedly, the expenses rules have, much to the chagrin of many MPs - some have even spoken out against this claiming persecution, now been tightened, this is no more than a sticking plaster over a wound.
It doesn't stop there. Many companies - big companies with huge profits - are taking people on and paying them absolutely nothing. Well, in all fairness, maybe their bus fare. This is part of the government's 'workfare' program, where companies that are signed up get sent people that are claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), which the state pays, not the companies that recieve the labour. Again, something for nothing. Thankfully, in the wake of the online outcry, many companies have now pulled out of the scheme...but, many others remain part of it...again, expecting something for nothing.
Yes, the something for nothing culture is indeed alive and well in the UK, but, not the way the media would have you believe.
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Justice, racism and Diane Abbot
I predict a riot - in aisle 18
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