Internships or Internment?

This government has all too often been in the pocket of big business at the expense of supporting working people and the proposed internship programme strikes me as a further nail in the coffin of the social credentials of New Labour. 

The government has taken the obvious position in defence of many policies of “we can’t just do nothing,” but in this case it seems to be a case of “we can’t just be seen to be doing nothing, we must do something because otherwise we won’t be seen to be doing something, we’ll be seen to be doing nothing” (to paraphrase Yes Minister). Its also a wonderful example of Politicians’ Logic – “Something Must Be Done — This is Something, therefore We Must Do It.” Perhaps given the pisspoor state of Her Majesty’s Opposition when it comes to such a thing as policy, none of this is surprising.

The proposed Internship scheme will allegedly help graduates in the uncertain period after completing their degrees, as well as preparing the relevant skills base for the fabled (and long-distant) “up turn.” However, I fail to see how short term contracts at low wages picking up basic skills benefits anyone other than employers. Lammy (on Radio 4’s iPM) claimed that ’some skills were better then no skills – presumably the same logic applies to pay.

Current experience of graduates in a range of subjects – as some readers will be aware – does not differ greatly from the consequence of this proposal. I.E. Short term, low-paid unreliable work. Its called temping or seasonal work. And as far as I can see, as one of the most poorly regulated sectors, frequently in the press for the exploitation or poor treatment of worker of all skill levels, its the one sector which – in a period of unprecedented wider economic uncertainty – this Government should not be encouraging.

Of course, it serves to demonstrate just how important big business is to the government. The large employers’ benefits are manifold – low paid, high skilled workers on short-term contracts. No wonder CEOs are welcoming the scheme…

 

The thing that baffles me is why graduates are.*

 

* According to a BBC poll anyway.

Why are the British so Dumb?

There are many brilliant things about these islands, but all this British genius – how to put this politely – well, shall we say, it doesn’t travel very well… In a recent trip to Egypt, the following classics were overheard from fellow tourists…

In reference to a partially derelict tennement …

“This place, is so dusty. Just look at that building there. It could really do with a lick of paint – its so dusty!”

In reference to the advice not to drink the tap water…

“The tap water looks fine to me. I think they’re only telling us so as to make us PAY for bottled water!” (thanks to Charmain for that one)

At the pyramids (Giza, Cairo):

“I’m not getting off the bus! It said on the news the Israelis and Palestinians were bombing each other at Giza!”

No love, that’s Gaza.

In reference to a building site, Tunisia:

Wife: What are you doing?
Husband: (scribbling away in a notebook) I’m taking notes of that building site, and when I get home, I’m reporting them to building standards! (Thanks to Garry for that one!) 

After visiting an exceptionally well preserved Roman city:

“Well, I don’t know why they drove us all the way up there. You could see just as good pictures in books.”

On being on a cruise holiday up the Nile:

“I didn’t think we’d spend so long on the water.”

On not tipping (after being told by guide not to tip):

“That woman, she’s been to Egypt before. And she knows you’ve got to tip, so why come back to Egypt if she knows you’ve got to tip.”

Feel free to post below any further examples of good old British stupidity.