The Criminalization of Britain's Jobless
We often miss the fact that unemployment is actually a good thing for employers. The pool of unemployed is a resource they can use if they need it, and it's existence makes labour a buyers market which keeps the price down. Unemployment rates go up and down, but unemployment never really goes away. Businesses are quite happy with that, especially if they don't have to pay much of the cost. Full-employment would be a real problem to them if it ever happened. Given the important role of the unemployed, in helping to keep the economy dynamic and competitive, it seems especially unfair to treat them so harshly. But, the whole thing wouldn't function if unemployed people were allowed to be happy. I wish George Orwell were alive today, he'd put it across much better than I can, but his answer would probably be more socialism. Personally, I think we need more self-employment and small businesses, probably very small businesses. Unfortunately, Job Centres aren't there to support this, but you might find other organisations that do. For the over 50s, there's the Prince's Initiative for example. Sadly, the Job Centre will just do what it's meant to, and keep the excess workers on their toes. It's called the Job Centre, not the Sustainable and Satisfying Career Centre.
JohnTannahill, Nov 10, 2012
