What Black Hole?

It has been clear to many that over the past years a huge black hole has been appearing. Unfortunately, governments, of all persuasions, and the unions have taken a "head in a bucket of sand" attitude to the crisis, pretending it wasn't there. Why should those working in the private sector, who have to face market forces every day of their working lives, have to pay for a group of people who actually do not "earn" any money. These people are a cost centre not a profit centre. The excuse that their wages and salaries are below those in the private sectorn is nonsense. If they are unhappy with the terms and conditions of their employment, let them quit their jobs and come and work in the private sector, and of course, have to pay for their pensions. I wonder how many will?

Posted by: P Margeson

Public Sector pensions

Part of the problem stems from Local authorities allowing the over 50's to retire early. This scandal has gone on for over 30 years and will continue. Throughout the land Councils are busy preparing generous exit packages for thousands of staff with little or no comprehension of the debt they are set to dump upon the Pension Scheme - funded by the Nation. Kirklees Council put £10.4m into the pension scheme recently to let 240 take redundancy. We know this is not sufficient funding; but what will 500,000 public sector job cuts actually cost the rest of us?

Posted by: D. McGowan