No surprise that they're uncompetitive in the world market. I know 3 people who used to work there who all ran their own businesses alongside full time jobs and my sister in law works there and spends most of her time ringing her family and friends up whilst she's at "work". Unfortunately, it's a sad indictment on the state of the British manufacturing industry when only the Japanese can make the British workers productive enough

Strangely enough in other European countries like France & Germany, they have still retained an indigenous manufacturing base. Both countries have heavily unionised workforces but they also have worker councils and workforce recognition at board level. The workers know what is happening in the organisation, they are aware of competition and what is required to be more competitive. Rather than the top-down diktat that is typical of British management, it is quite often the workers themselves who find a solution to problems.

That's because they have a work ethic unlike a huge chunk of the UK population

Nice little soundbite, was it all your own work or did you copy it from a letter in The Daily Wail?

I don't read shat like that, just have plenty of experience of employing lazy SOB's who rather take the pish than do a decent day's work. I blame the unions but doubt a leftie like yourself would agree

The unions have all but been emasculated since 1980, how can you blame them for what's happened over the last generation?

Because he's a smug right-wing, I'm alright Jack, t0sspot?

Aw, nicest thing you've ever said to me

If I'd wanted to be really nasty I'd have mentioned [igolf.[/i

Because their failure to allow UK manufacturing to modernise over decades left us uncompetitive in the world market and the resulting unemployment has created generations of people who don't know what it's like to hold down a proper job for any length of time.

I'm sure you blame thatcher though

He's ran out of Stella until tomorrows delivery.

Disgrace, no wonder pubs are closing down everywhere

You took the words out of my mouth. He'd be happy to tip his cap to Mr Andrew/Lord Bollocks and the rest who are still around today. We will never have what Coddie suggests as in Germany/France because (as some-one who has been only a mere Admin worker) we still have those who even at the office level think they are better than those who are slogging away on the shopfloor.

He'll be sat in the GC on Sunday, after his round, with his similar thinking cronies, pontificating, putting the world to rights.

Where would we be without them?

Bless.