Which Message and to Whom?

Colleagues,

Just a brief post as I am on the hoof at the moment but I couldn't help noticing the sheer mess of contradictions coming from the right as news is released about the potential attack on employment rights contained in the Beecroft review of employment law due to be published at the end of the week.

At least Vince Cable has come out opposing the main thrust of the proposals and is quite rightly arguing that they send the wrong message and don't support a strategy of investment and growth.

It is quite clear that the proposals represent an assault on basic employment rights masquerading as a need for small firms flexibility during austerity.

As revealed in a BBC news item today the right can't identify whether the proposals are to enable business owners to more easily sack people, or to create more jobs for the unemployed - or perhaps they are both sides of the same coin? I suppose like most Tory messages, it is designed to appeal to different people on different days of the week.

Tory MP Damian Collins is quoted as saying "It would be terrible if smaller businesses were holding back on recruiting because they're worried about whether they can sustain the income they need to keep those people on over the longer period of time."

On another part of the lunatic spectrum  Adam Marshall, director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "Of course employment rights are important, but should be weighed against opportunities for the unemployed who are looking for work."

So, between Collins and Marshall British workers can expect the removal of a front door at their place of work, and the installation of one that revolves instead.

Don't laugh, these b******s are all too serious.

Keep your eye on Beecroft: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18142544

In Solidarity

Ian