Employment

Press, 15 February 1989, Page 20

Employment

Sir,—Will someone explain to me why something sensible is not done to put right the fact that there is not sufficient work for a great many people? How about a shorter working week? Can we not share the work that there is? The new machines are creating unemployment. Now there is more time to relax and enjoy life and meet people who share our interests, love of sport, music and gardening. All these activities are therapeutic after days of heavy concentration. People using the modem push-button machines all day, every day, will need time to relax if they are to keep sane. Businessmen needing staff say to the hopeful applicants: “You have good qualifications, but you lack experience. What were you doing last year?” “Studying and making sure that I did well in my examinations” comes the reply. — Yours, etc.,

S. G. CHANNELL. February 2, 1989.

Sir, —K4r Moore has been given the task of reducing unemployment. I would not be daunted by the job. It has been mooted for years: compulsory

military service. There appears to be a lack of moral fibre in today’s youth. Many are using a benefit system designed, unintentionally perhaps, to create a lack of initiative. I know a lot of people on benefits who are not all that unhappy with unemployment. It is amazing the money they have and the items they spend their money on. Some of them are increasing their savings even after the purchase of such items as cars, motor-bikes, grog and smokes (they have trouble paying board or rent). I personally know three young sickness beneficiaries. One of them has back problems which prevent him from working. I saw him remove the engine from his car for repairs without any back support whatsoever. Why should a modern sophisticated society suffer unemployment? 130,000 to 180,000 is not a great number to provide work for; and hang the expense of doing it. The Government has tried monetary theory and all we have is dissatisfaction, fear and hatred.—Yours, etc.,

A. WALSH. February 9, 1989.