Labour is similar to any other commodity in that it's value is determined by the supply & demand for it. If skilled labour (in any sector) is hard to come by then chances are their value will increase. However, skilled labour probably represents a minority of jobs in the economy.

I've spent most of the last ten years working principally in engineering (Mining, Oil/gas, Construction, Industrial) and again the market drives price.

I worked on a huge industrial progamme in North Africa where workers were offered higher level HSE training. One of the company bosses said train equally across companies or you will create an imbalance in the market and as such introduce movement and then local inflation

So that's 4 more markets. Rather than me keep going on, maybe you could provide examples. I'm unsure what is representative.

Well. Astonishing article from the Mail. Quite wonderful: www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/artic ... ttlee.html

Well. Astonishing article from the Mail. Quite wonderful: www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/artic ... ttlee.html

He has lasted 4 days which is more than some thought!

I suspect if he doesn't raise his game he will be gone by Xmas

What have you seen in those 4 days to suggest that?

Raise his game? What do you want him to do?

It is widely reported that the owner of Hull City FC is withdrawing his significant donations to the Labour Party and encouraging "moderate MPs" to form a break-away party or join the LibDems. The whole thing has become a farce.

Assem Allam would make Brian Rix green with envy in his ability to turn absolutely any event into a farce.

His statement and that of other Blairite sympathisers proves just what value they place on democracy

Yes, because now he's been elected everyone should agree with everything he says or does. That's the problem with democracy, people can openly have opinions and beliefs, much like your belief that the NHS should be flogged off to the private sector.

Don't be so obtuse.

Allam can disagree all he wants to but to outwardly foment rebellion is not democracy, it is buying patronage.

Something he has vast experience of

No, please do keep going on.

At work yesterday we had a senior Tory MP visit. In his speech to a number of workers he said the country(Tories!) are pushing for and enticing more highly skilled / highly paid employers to set up here and to leave the low paid work for the Asia / Middle east regions.

Great to hear. Let's get out of the pits and improve peoples quality of life at both work and home. Jezzer wont bring that aspiration to the country.

Maybe he was playing to the audience. I suspect he wouldn't have said something similar in a care home or bus depot.

Courtesy of @BestoftheMail

Press conference
Cameron: Anyone have any questions
*everyone raises hands*
Cameron: That aren't about the pig?
*everyone lowers hands*