|
Official statistics often make mention of so-called ‘economically inactive’ people, namely those out of work and not looking for a job (retired people, those with long-term illness, etc.). Is it not about time the ONS ditched that term? The notion that if someone is not in the labour market, or looking for a job, they are inactive in an economic sense is just plain nonsense. Entire industries rely upon retired people (go to the Lake District and see how many coffee shops are packed with retired people), while others such as the game console industry arguably rely upon an army of inactive teenagers and/or young males. An old retired friend used to jest that he was better off retired than when working, indeed the first thing he did upon retiring was go out and buy a new Mini Cooper. I am sure the company that sold him the Mini did not view him as economically inactive, although according to statisticians, he was. |
|
|
Still on transport, there is more to the car than congestion. While we all use cars more, it is interesting to ask why. A growing number of short journeys are now undertaken by the car. Laziness may well have something to do with this – it is simply easier to take the trip in the car than walk. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Road pricing may be rising up the political agenda, but the public seems very much averse to the idea. This should not surprise – who in their right minds would want to pay for something that has to date been free? |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Recent conversations with colleagues and friends about water bills have shed much light on how we all dislike paying more for something we take for granted. Water bills in excess of £300 per annum are seen as ‘damned mean’, and with further rises in bills, why the annual cost ‘could reach £400’. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
A recent survey claimed or revealed that around 15% of the food we buy is thrown away. While some of that total includes items such as potato peel and fruit skins, it still leaves over 10% of the typical food basket being thrown away. Most of the people I have spoken with about this issue are not surprised. Indeed, many think the % thrown away could be higher. Why? |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Life Today 
