It is true, and I don't trust politicians as a group any more than you do, frankly. But it is really down to us - people who actually care passionately about health services and equality - to make sure the right things happen. People, in fact, like me (and there are more than you might think!) who have the skills and the sphericals to take it forwards in a no nonsense way and regardless of party politics. I have to say if you didn't see any dead wood where you were you were lucky. Dead wood for me means people who are not performing properly, not an excess of actual bodies. And I am in agreement with BarryW and Peter - it is down to people managijng the contracts and the people to make sure the best deal - not the cheapest - is had.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
Mark - we are closer on your last post than you may realise.
One problem with the public sector is that it tries to do too much, it runs around in ever decreasing circles hemmed in buy a beaurocratic paper trail. Many of those problems you refer to is systematic. The deadwood may or may not be people but it is most certainly built in to the systems and functions carried out by the public sector. No business could work the way they do.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
A friend of mine has just started a new job in the public sector. After years of working in retail and other highly commercial environments, he remarked to me the other day that in the new office, he is astonished by how much time people waste standing around chatting in corridors, by the water cooler and at the coffee machine, instead of getting on with their work.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Are they networking, Peter.......?
Guest 710- Registered: 28 Feb 2011
- Posts: 6,950
Peter, why 'waste' and not 'spend'?
Is it called the public sector because it 'wastes' public money or because it deals with people as people, in their diverse oneness?
Should people paid to care and help shun each other?
Who cannot appreciate the (ruthless) efficiency of looking after number one? It may seem much more rewarding to help the board achieve their targets and get their bonuses when doing so may get you a few more shillings in your own purse.
Yet...
Who rewards the public sector given their diverse role: they help pedestrians and frustrate drivers, they help drivers and inconvenience pedestrians, they work to reduce the number of starving waifs cluttering ones driveway while wringing every last pound out of one at the petrol pump.
Years ago Red Ken tried to keep public transport fares down and to cheers from the snow queen herself was told by a judge that public transport had to run at a profit.
So where does the money come from to pay these high fares if not by demands for increased pay? So (cue strings) the private sector is burdened yet again...
Or, more likely life becomes less worth living for all who must use bus or tube to get to work...their employer does not care, their government does not care, the law does not care and the public sector cannot intervene...
We are all too happy as tax-payers to join the chorus of "value for money" and are upset, unhappy, but (then it hits home) not so surprised that when the shoe is on the other foot we cry-out, "What about SERVICE!!!!"
We as a nation are dragged hither and thither by the short-hairs of selfishness and are all at once appalled that the 'them' that are often the 'real' enemy can also be us.
What is the super-dooper, fast-as-lightning, focussed, focussed, focussed high flyer from the private sector to do?
Apart from lolly-gagging and repeating time-worn prejudices, to a ready and all too keen audience, could this 'super-being' not introduce get-to-know-each other sessions and reduce the time spent away from 'task'?
I'm just saying...nothing personal.
Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Standing around socialising when you are paid to be working at your desk is theft of employers' time and therefore money. When the habit is endemic in an organisation it represents waste on a grand scale. Since when did junior clerks have networking in their job description? Basically Tom, if the taxpayer is hiring a person to perform a function and they are socialising during paid hours- that's WASTE.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
I remember when there was uproar when employers suggested disabling the connection to Facebook etc on working sites. Why would/should anyone have access to social networking sites AT WORK!!!!!!
Guest 683- Registered: 11 Feb 2009
- Posts: 1,052
"Can't you see
It all makes perfect sense
expressed in dollars and cents
pounds, shillings and pence".
Roger Waters.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
People complain if they get 90% of a pint of beer. Why should the taxpayer not complain if he gets 50 minutes work for an hour's pay?
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 710- Registered: 28 Feb 2011
- Posts: 6,950
Peter, how dare you?!
As Barry has been telling us for ages...it is the City from whence the vast majority of taxes spring.
Advertise the contact details of the local Trading Standards Office if you must.
You are sure to be thanked.
Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing.
Guest 716- Registered: 9 Jun 2011
- Posts: 4,010
A campaign has been launched to ``Keep Police Public``
The police are already having 20% of their monies cut and losing 16,000 of their force and this plan is to patch up with
Private Companies.
This is Privatisation by Stealth.
Nothing stealthy about it.
DT1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 15 Apr 2008
- Posts: 1,116
Ah yes I remember my days in the private sector, easy days.
I don't know where I would find the time to go on the Internet in the day time. I sometimes manage to have a quick surf whilst using the toilet (proof that men can multitask).
Today I wasted a huge amount of time using a computer program developed by a company with 'outsourcing expertise'. My friend used to work for their city operations and they are also particularly good at moving money (legally) out of the country. Shame our taxes are being WASTED on such companies, using their products, knowing the bare minimum goes back in!
Guest 696- Registered: 31 Mar 2010
- Posts: 8,115
Going back to private security firms, they may well prove to be successful if employed in investigative and patrolling roles.
They could be used to identify armed gangs in London, drug smuggling rings, human traffickers, people who exploit prostitution and so much more.
We really need this innovation, and it will be a source of employment.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
the crimes you refer to have to be sorted by experienced specialised police persons alex, security firms would be completely out of their depth.
Guest 672- Registered: 3 Jun 2008
- Posts: 2,119
As on a previous thread Howard I think Alex would like to go back to the 30s Europe.
If you did what Alex say's, more than half would be on the take and make things even worse. I really cannot see where he is coming from or for that matter going to.
grass grows by the inches but dies by the feet.
Hull to plant trees ?
Guest 672- Registered: 3 Jun 2008
- Posts: 2,119
grass grows by the inches but dies by the feet.
I could think of a few things ..................... have a lovely trip
Guest 696- Registered: 31 Mar 2010
- Posts: 8,115
But the Police Forces of Surrey and West Midlands have already decided to give contracts to security firms, it came out the other day. So it is on the point of happening.
Does this mean these two Police Forces are going back to the 30's?
Besides, in the 30's, did British Police Forces give contracts to security firms?
I can't make heads or tales of Ian's information.
There are already existing contracts with these firms, so it is not at all new. Often the members are former soldiers and Police members. These vacant skills can very well be put to use to combat crime.
Sarah, what has your idea of planting trees in Hull got to do with gangs in London?