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In a boat and not rowing

9 December 2008 by Tim 7 Comments

Benefit claimants, including single mothers, will have to “play their part” in the economy or face losing some state payments, the government says.

Under plans to be unveiled on Wednesday, people will be asked to do some form of work or prepare themselves for finding a job in future.

Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said it was vital “there aren’t people in a boat and not rowing”. BBC

Well, let me see, something under three million people work in primary industries. These are the people doing the rowing, creating the wealth, not stuffed shirts standing around talking about how the rowers should be rowing harder, and for less money, or counting up last years expenses (£148,064).

Filed Under: General

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Comments

  1. Jax says

    9 December 2008 at 23:26

    The only reason I didn’t blog this tonight was because I’d already blogged two link stories. Nice to know that we’re on the same page 😉

    Reply
  2. Gill says

    10 December 2008 at 08:51

    This cartoon strip of Jacky Fleming’s says it all IMO.

    Reply
  3. Tim says

    10 December 2008 at 09:05

    Yep that’s about right. 🙂
    I like this one too.

    Reply
  4. Chris says

    10 December 2008 at 11:41

    What is a primary industry?

    Reply
  5. Ruth J says

    10 December 2008 at 11:43

    Where are we rowing to, and what makes it so great when we get there?

    Reply
  6. Tim says

    10 December 2008 at 18:01

    Chris there is this wonderful resource for researching called the Internet. Surprised you haven’t heard of it. That is where I found this definition:
    “The primary sector of the economy generally involves changing natural resources into primary products. Most products from this sector are considered raw materials for other industries. Major businesses in this sector include agriculture, agribusiness, fishing, forestry and all mining and quarrying industries.”
    Or were you just cleverly pointing out that I might rather better have said primary industry and manufacturing?

    Reply
  7. Gill says

    10 December 2008 at 18:09

    Yes Tim, that’s another good JF cartoon. I’m getting to be a real fan of hers.

    Reply

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