ON BEING AGAINST MOM AND APPLE PIE...
I wanted to start off today where I started off yesterday insofar as I wish to discuss the problem that arises when a conservative-minded person (me) tries to engage in a discussion in the media on a favoured liberal topic - more holidays for the workers.
Now then, the Northern Ireland's Economy Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has decided to award all workers in Northern Ireland an additional 4 days annual paid holidays.
Which of us is against more holidays? Not me - so long as the employer can afford it. Not me - so long as the economy can be more productive with less people working as many days. But of course those provisors mean that in reality more holidays imposed by feckless politicians on local business means more costs less productivity, and less profits. With less profits, where does the money come to fund this political driven indulgence?
Sir Reg made reference to the fact that he was bringing NI into line with the rest of the EU. I pointed out did he realise that NI enjoys an unemployment rate HALF that of the EU - did he also want to equalise that? Had he wondered WHY unemployment was so much higher in the EU than in the UK? Did he understand that crucifying small to medium sized business with draconian costs will not help grow an economy but rather bring it to a shuddering halt? So in truth, I AM against politicians imposing more holidays on business. They are being munificent, with a cynical eye on popular electoral appeal, with other people's money. Do I sound like Scrooge when I suggest that people have enough holidays and if their only real focus is even more holidays, then they need to find something else to be doing?
In summary, arguing against holidays is a bit like like arguing against Mom and Apple Pie - but someone has to raise the flag of dissent. The here today gone tomorrow politicians won't be around to pick up the economic debris.
David Vance
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Reader Comments (8)
I take your point about unemployment but taken to extremes you could have no unemployment and no rights for workers and it would not make for a happy society.
The free market is not a delicate flower. It can thrive even with some legal protection for employees who are generally at a disadvantage in negotiating with employers.
There are far more people who don't take all the holidays they are entitled to than there are people who are in a position to negotiate more.
In fact an employer expects you to look for more money but if you looked for more holidays they would probably question your commitment.
When legally employed workers in the UK get more holidays, there are two immediate effects:
1. it becomes even cheaper to outsource the service or product which was the result of that (now more expensive) worker's labour and
2. it becomes more profitable to import a foreign worker (legal or illegal: same result) to replace the Briton.
Neither would be the case if borders were controlled and tariffs applied on imports which would ensure that such additional costs would not be destructive of jobs, but neither is the case so away go the jobs. But the politicians get the chance to pose and preen.
David is only restating his case that Reg already answered!
Reg said this is national policy,(you want to be part of Britain David?) and that Peter Hain actually wanted to give more holidays and he has looked at that and reviewed it. Most employers are already giving it according to Reg, and its aimed at working WOMEN who are working in places like care homes.
listen again
press the 15 min button twice to move forward to the conversation.
Quite different in essence to what was discussed yesterday in Stormont ie for agency workers who have no rights at all hardly and who are mainly new arrivals. Thats another issue entirely.
Peter Hain actually wanted to give more holidays
Maybe we could take them and not declare them.
"Maybe we could take them and not declare them."
Oh we have the worst record on 'sickies'. Not sure but I think the PSNI tops that bill, but I'll stand corrected by anybody on that.
Not wanting to show my semi-red views on this blog too much but if the workers make you a profit, aren't they entitled to a little of it back? A share of the spoils, surely the days of the hiring fare are gone?
Agree with your comment above btw Henry.
Hi Typhoo,
I thought devolution allowed "our" Minister's to take decisions in the best interest of NI? Also, how many SME's did the noble knight consult?
PS. The Newsletter letters page leads with a missive from yours truly today - will try and link it.
David,
You are an American. As to the subject of Wages: Holiday Pay
So, move on over here to the States (as many weary Euro employers have already) and exploit our unrepresented work force.Alan,
Being called an American is as good a compliment as I can get!!