Big conversation about employment

HAVE BA, as is being alleged, ‘betrayed’ their workforce?

No one can deny the tragedy involved in the sacking of thousands of staff from the airline. However, for a variety of reasons it is needful that we all get a clear picture of why this has happened.

The airline say (seemingly with good reason) that in the light of the current disastrous downturn in air travel they have no choice.

Unions, however, are claiming that it is all a ploy to boost the return to share holders.

Given that there is a likelihood of more large companies having to shed staff there should be a mechanism put in place to determine the rights and wrongs of any similar event.

The covid emergency, along with its economic implications, is likely to be with us for quite some time. Given too the need for social cohesion it behoves Government to put in place standing courts of enquiry who can issue authorititve verdicts on whether proposed redundancies are actually necessary.

Routine political posturing, acceptable perhaps in ‘normal’ times, can have no place when we must all ‘hang together’ lest we ‘hang separately.’

While it may not be possible to stop some ‘scarring’ in the economy as a result of the present crisis it would be tragic if there was to be added to this further social scarring.

None of this should prevent Government (local and central) along with business , educationists and so forth getting together for the ‘Big Conversation’ which is needed to discuss how new, long term employment possibilities can be created.

This must go along with urgent discussion of appropriate financial support for those who have lost their jobs.

Silent e-scooters and e-bikes can cause problems