Your Method Of Easing Lockdown

[naomi24]

Some people here seem to be in a permanent state of confusion over what I think are quite simple guidelines for the gradual easing of lockdown and for getting people back to work….so here’s their opportunity to shine. If you were in charge, how would you do it?

[naomi24]

It’s had an impact, Jim, but the longer it continues the greater the impact will be, the poorer the country will become, and the poorer its people will become. And, yes, I do think being business minded gives people a greater insight - and a far greater understanding. Some so readily assume that the country, together with all those wealthy businesses, possesses a bottomless pit of money, without a thought of where that money comes from. ‘Give the nurses a pay rise now’ they cry! Yeah!!! Clap, clap, clap! Hmmm….

[naomi24]

//I'd suggest that maybe the lockdown can be seen as an opportunity to reassess what's important in life.//

And what would that be, Jim?

[pixie374]

We will end up with businesses that are actually needed. This is pretty much a natural selection in essential businesses.

[jim360]

A whole bunch of disjointed points there. I'm not sure why the idea of paying nurses more money was brought up, for example.

// And, yes, I do think being business minded gives people a greater insight - and a far greater understanding. //

I'd be happy to concede that point if you accept that maybe being science-minded gives people a greater insight into scientific matters. Somehow I doubt we'll be able to make that trade. But all the same, I don't think that the economic collapse came as too much of a surprise to anybody.

On the other hand, what would the damage have been had we carried on as usual and seen deaths skyrocket? Presumably just as bad if not worse. The same may well be true if we ease restrictions prematurely and are obliged to either suffer higher deaths again or to return to stricter lockdown conditions. But all this you must have known already, given your business acumen.

[jim360]

// I'm not sure why the idea of paying nurses more money was brought up, for example. //

Well, this isn't entirely true, perhaps, as I'm sure there's been a thread about it somewhere. I mean more that I'm not sure why it is, apparently, mocked as a suggestion. People get paid what we think they are worth, and there has presumably never been a better time to realise just how undervalued nurses and other essential workers have been. Giving nurses a reasonable pay raise won't break the bank.

[naomi24]

Jim, // I'd be happy to concede that point if you accept that maybe being science-minded gives people a greater insight into scientific matters.//

Why would you accept a trade off? You either concede the point or you don’t.

So what are those important things in life that you feel we now have an opportunity to reassess?

[naomi24]

//Giving nurses a reasonable pay raise won't break the bank. //

:o)

[jim360]

I mean, for example, whether we've got the work/life balance correct as a society, or which jobs require more investment/more respect.

[jim360]

Why are you smiling? I'm being deadly serious :)

A quick calculation suggests that giving nurses a £1,000/year salary rise would cost less than a billion. I'm pretty sure the Government can find that sort of money without too much trouble. (*cough* HS2 */cough*)

[pixie374]

I think nurses, carers, teachers etc., do deserve more than they get, which would be taken off politician's pay. But, as we have so many (pre-Brexit) willing to work here, that was unlikely. Hopefully, once the supply is down... we will realise we need to pay better.

[pixie374]

It has certainly come to my notice, since I have been back at work... that the HS2 devastation has been able to quietly and very quickly continued, since the protestors aren't out. Around here at least... how convenient.

[pixie374]

Oi Jim, look at smow's thread please :-) xx

[naomi24]

Jim, business generates wealth and jobs. Currently many are closed, some forever, the workforce is idle and is being propped up by government hand-outs. Therefore taxes aren’t being paid and in order to sustain that situation, the government is already plunging deeper into debt. Where is the extra money that you want spent unnecessarily going to come from? Unsurprisingly, you’re saying exactly what the ‘clappers’ are saying, and similarly without a thought for the logistics of it all, which all in all demonstrates my point admirably. Thank you.

So what is important in life. What do you want reassessed. (Third time I've asked).

[pixie374]

As I'm sure you know, naomi
Economics is all denad and supply. Those businesses that are not "needed" may well go down... but in the end, the essential ones have to survive.

[pixie374]

Demand... sorry

[jim360]

Why is it deemed "unnecessary" to give nurses a much-deserved and much-needed pay rise? It may not be affordable now -- although, in point of fact, it clearly is, as the Government can find the funding from other projects that are less necessary -- but it seems reasonable that nurses deserve more money and reasonable that we should look for a way to find that money.

I already provided a partial answer to that question, see my post at 12.49.

[jim360]

I suppose I could add to that that maybe we should look at tax levels. Since, as you say, it may be tricky to find the money to award essential workers their due, would people as a whole be prepared to pay more into society in order to make that easier? If not, why not?

[pixie374]

I suspect we would. At least- I would- but it would come at the cost of those I don't really need... sportspeople, politicians (just all get paid too much), etc..... hopefully, the priorities might change for some people. Although, I won't hold my breath

[naomi24]

Jim, Your post at 12:49 Fri gives no indication of what you want reassessed - not even partially.

//Why is it deemed "unnecessary" to give nurses a much-deserved and much-needed pay rise?//

Because theirs is not an urgent case.

[pixie374]

Whose is "urgent", naomi?