Kevin's Watch

From my point of view that's a tiny amount. The latest data I can find is from 2008, and estimated 100,000-200,000, counting the homeless in rural areas.

I agree about the drugs etc. but when I was talking about "choice" I really meant that government provided alternatives do exist.

--A

Yes, I fully concede our situation is not comparable to the pertaining levels of humanitarian crisis in Africa Av, but as I say, not only are the government figures wildly adrift, if you factor in the 'not on the street, but still effectively homeless' families and individuals, the situation in the UK is way beyond what is acceptable for a wealthy western state. In respect of 'government provided alternatives', well - yes they do indeed exist, but not at a level that comes close to dealing with the actual scale of the problem in it's broarder sense; hence the reason why presant and future housing policy forms such a large part of the political debate at times of elections etc.

Haha, and here they're inadequate to the point of farce. Not that that diminishes the impact on the people who are affected there of course.

--A

German owned supermarket-chain Lidl have announced that henceforth they will pay all members of staff at least the caculated 'liveable wage' [as opposed to the statutory minimum wage which is significantly lower]. I for my part will repond by maximising my grocery shop at the store to the greatest extent possible. Furthur, I think, should be the introduction of a nationally recognised symbol for all businesses committed to this policy to display, so we the consumer may demonstrate our approval in the most appropriate manner - by patronising those businesses.

So who calculates it? And wouldn't it be different everywhere?

--A

The body currently leading the campaign to establish a National Living Wage, and who calculate the figures on which businesses which choose to adhere to the policy conform to are the NGO The Living Wage Foundation. There is indeed a 'London weighting' given to the South-East of the country where it is accepted that living costs are substantially higher. The body [which carries the endorsement of The Jacob Rowntree Foundation and Save The Children amongst others] are largely credited for influencing George Osborne's announcement of a National Living Wage to be phased in over the next five years - a significant step in the right direction to be sure, but one that absolutely demands the scrutiny of independant bodies such as the LWF to ensure 'fair play' in its implementation.

I suspect that it will never be "enough" as far as people are concerned, but I suppose we can hope that it will be better than it is. Of course, there are other implications as well...to some (and perhaps a large) extent the cost will end up being borne by the consumer, one way or another.

--A

True Av - but a sound long term economy can never be developed in country where the mass of the people are too strapped to fuel growth. Consumers must have disposable income in order to consume.

Personally I'm willing to pay a little more if the money is going to the employees.

--A

well some say that the minimum wage should have a cost of living raise per year. and then we wouldn't have such a large jump like folks are asking for.

Would seem sensible to match it to inflation at least.

--A

but a sudden jump to an outrageous amount now will create a backlash that will defeat the original intent.

Only two possibilities spring to mind...reduction of labour force, or price increases.

Of course, places will probably do both under the excuse that they're now forced to, and if there is a little bump in profit, well...

--A

wal-mart here now has self serve lines. one manager oversees 8 or so check out machine.

i'd put money more automation is on the way.

Not much doubt about that I think. Oh well...my job is probably safe for now...

--A

my job will be replaced by one guy and cameras.

That one guy better be a darn good cook...but he still won't be a considered a deity by the turtles on the other side of the fence.

Cameras? There are ways to defeat those.

I think it's nearly the weekend...

--A

I think you're all terrible posters.

--A

What, like that one of the tennis playing blonde scratching her arse?