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"FLEXIBLE WORKING"?
By David Vance | October 20, 2008 - 5:46 pm | October 20, 2008 anti-business, employment procedures
Caught the truly appalling Patricia Hewitt being interviewed by Eddie Mair on PM. This was concerning Peter Mandelson's suggestion that the legislation bringing about a mandatory requirement for employers to accommodate flexible working hours for all employees with children under 16 be knocked on the head, for a while. The BBC was keen to offer Hewitt this soap-box from which she could witter on about how essential for small business that this provision be activated! Now I can understand that Hewitt is supremely ignorant when it comes to the stress on small business but I thought Eddie Mair should have made the point that any business can operate such flexible hours without draconian legislation making them do so. In the past day we have seen the Labour and Conservative Party offer up ideas as to how business can be given some help in these tough times. I personally think that the Conservative Party's ideas have been quite good, but seem to have gained little media traction within the BBC, whilst Labour's whimsies are discussed ad infinitum.
15 Responses to "FLEXIBLE WORKING"?
Radio 5 let Vince Cable wank on for 20 minutes today as if he were a BBC correspondent. It was amazing. Just where is the balance at the BBC?
Will86 says:
Anyone in any doubt as to where the BBC's political loyalty lies should read this nauseating post by Nick Robinson
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/nickrobinson/2008/10/camerons_econom.html
Some of the comments are eye-opening; looks like several of the public are beginning to sicken of the constant sycophanting and complete lack of balance.
Labour government's own inflexible 'not-working hours', courtesy of Harman:
"Outrage as Harman gives MPs 24 DAYS off at Christmas"
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1078810/Outrage-Harman-gives-MPs-24-days-Christmas.html
Original Robin says:
The Conservative`s proposals about VAT cant be enacted because that is an EU competence. So what they are saying is rubbish.
Frankos says:
Original Robin | 20.10.08 – 8:15 pm | #
David Preiser (USA) says:
Will86 | 20.10.08 – 7:26 pm |
Well, if this doesn't show up the true weakness of Cameron as leader, I don't know what does. Robinson is right, except for the part about Mr. Brown having saved the world's financial system.
Still, Robinson must be a little bummed that Mr. Brown will remain in charge, but overjoyed that Labour will retain power and the Tories have lost a significant weapon.
David Vance says:
Original Robin,
Not so sure about the NIC aspect to it.
What really annoyed me about this "story" was that they had three politicians on all against the proposals – so really balaned.
Roland Deschain says:
Frankos | 20.10.08 – 8:37 pm |
Check out http://eureferendum.blogspot.com/2008/10/hiding-from-truth.html
David Preiser: I don't deny that Cameron hasn't been at his most vocal, but perhaps he is concerned about a rudderless Labour stealing any ideas, which would be true to the form book. My main concern is a total lack of commentary regarding Brown's spending; instead the focus is entirely given to Cameron's weaknesses. Hardly fair reporting.
Will86,
Okay, fair point.
Cockney says:
The EU requires that national governments charge VAT on a non discriminatory basis. I don't believe that it determines how that VAT is collected so I don't see why the Tory plan couldn't be enacted.
Neo-Coms…..
Umbongo says:
Will86
"My main concern is a total lack of commentary regarding Brown's spending"
There was a twin interview on BBC News 24 yesterday evening with Madson Pirie (of the Adam Smith Institute) and an economist from the Fabian Society. Pirie was completely dismissive of the government's ability either to borrow more serious amounts of money or to stimulate the economy by bringing forward capital spending.
The guy from the Fabian Society (who, to my mind, was given more time to expound his case) took the Labour high road of debate by lying through his teeth. We were told how small government borrowing is now compared with 1997 and what a wonderful economic record Brown has and how paradise is just around the corner. Unfortunately Pirie failed to engage directly and several open goals were completely missed: but that's down to Pirie, not the BBC.
Umbongo | 21.10.08 – 11:27 am
John Redwood was good on Newsnight.