No Going Back To Work

[allenlondon]

Apparently, people who needn’t go back to work aren’t going back to work.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/10/no-rise-in-workers-in-uk-city-centres-despite-back-to-office-plea

Is this inevitable? So many office jobs are far from useful, involving moving bits of paper around, or making phone calls, that people just aren’t going to miss a few million office workers not turning up.

A bit like many hospital clinic consultations, just as effective done by telephone, people might be waking up to the tremendous waste of time that society indulges in.

[pixie374]

No worries, ff... all sounds reasonable to me. But quite fascinated by your "distraction" now:-)

[naomi24]

Ichkeria, //The idea that people should put themselves out to keep Subway going is fanciful.//

That’s not the idea. The idea is that people should put themselves out to keep themselves going - even those who work for Subway.

Same to jno.

Pixie, // it isn't up to companies to help people pay their mortgages. It's up to individuals to do what they need to.//

I didn’t suggest it was up to companies to help people pay their mortgages. It isn’t. Businesses need to survive because without them there are no jobs, and workers need to get back to work because without jobs there is no money.

I didn’t realise my post would be so complicated for some.

[naomi24]

Allen is naïve - as is anyone who follows his kind of politics. It doesn't work.

[pixie374]

There are always jobs.... all businesses won't fail- only those no longer useful or wanted. It's a change, not an obliteration of all work.

[woofgang]

Avatar Image naomi24 "I think we have to do our utmost to preserve and support businesses, woofgang, and to do as much as we can as quickly as possible. Without business there are no jobs, hence no taxes paid, and looking at the worst scenario, ultimately the demise of the Welfare State and a populace in poverty. No money - no anything. It's as simple as that really."

but that's a general statement....what should individuals do? What should the government do?

[naomi24]

Businesses are failing but not because they’re no longer useful or wanted but because in the current circumstances they can’t operate.

[naomi24]

Woofgang //what should individuals do? //

If they're fit and able, get back to work.

//What should the government do? //

The government has done all it can. It's furloughed people for months and propped businesses up for months. It can do no more. It's asked people to get back to work and that's what needs to happen.

[pixie374]

They can- and will- operate, if they are wanted or needed. The ones that won't recover will only be unnecessary ones. Maybe it is time for a turnaround.

[naomi24]

Not so, Pixie. Businesses can't operate without a workforce.

[pixie374]

Natural selection, naomi. We have a workforce... and those businesses that are wanted or needed, will carry on. If the demand is there.

[naomi24]

If their workforce don't turn up how can they carry on?

[pixie374]

What are you talking about? Businesses, companies, individuals... that do desired work, will continue to. Others won't. It purely depends on demand. You know this... why won't staff turn up? And why is that relevant here?

[naomi24]

People working from home aren't the entire workforce, Pixie. There are many who are not working. That's why this is relevant here. You seem to be in some imaginary future world rather than the here and now.

[pixie374]

Hardly... many people are not able to work at all just now. People are being made redundant, companies are going bust... there are going to be huge numbers looking for work very soon, if not already.

[naomi24]

Which is what I said. I rest my case.

[pixie374]

If you're suggesting "without a workforce" is the same as "a bigger workforce"... then fair enough. Lol.
It may be better to leave this till tomorrow. You aren't at your most rational tonight x

[naomi24]

//If you're suggesting "without a workforce" is the same as "a bigger workforce"... //

What on earth are you talking about? And I'm not rational? I think you're right to want to leave it for tonight. Have a nice rest.

[woofgang]

sorry, I don't understand "people need to get back to work" so they can spend their wages to support sandwich shops?

[pixie374]

That was you... lol. One minute that no workforce will turn up and then agreeing there are lots of people who will need jobs. Which is it? If you are sleeping now- goodnight x but I think it's more a prevarication.

[naomi24]

Pixie, you’re confused. If people don’t go back to work and the companies they work for fold, they will be unemployed. That surely must be easier for you?

Woofgang, I can believe Pixie doesn’t understand, but not you.