A couple of proviso’s – the Met Office stopped doing these years ago as they are too unreliable. And of course the government should have a worst case scenario detailed plan ready to go.
NOT THEIR FAULT
UNDERSTANDING?
Labour shortages are occurring across the UK, EU, and USA on a scale not reported before the pandemic. As the pandemic hit mainly older people it seems unlikely that deaths can be a factor in the labour shortage. Brexit can partially explain the UK situation, but similar problems in France and Germany need examination. Politically there has been a shift left recently, I just throw that comment in!
CRISIS
HGV CRISIS
This not going away anytime soon. With 60% of hauliers stating that retirement is, and will be a major factor it seems the problem can only get worse, Brexit is 2nd major factor also at 60% followed by IR35 and drivers leaving for different industry, and pay rates also over 50% as a stated reason for driver shortage.
CRISIS – WHAT CRISIS?
STARMER – “Is it better to lose with honour and integrity , rather than compromise to a life of servitude and poverty?”
Has written an essay about taking Labour back to the middle. Well Keir there is already a middle – called the LibDems, a Tory Party that is not as far right as many think (just so no right regarding competence and honesty). Labours problem was not with the policies of Corbyn, but the unabated press attack on him, and his lack of chutzpah. His policies were popular, but thought to be unachievable by him.
TIME FOR A RETHINK
Many things are broken or not functioning properly in our society. The prime Minister bangs on about levelling up – why? because too many in society have been left behind. Our free market economy is reliant on poorly paid workers with little security. The supply chain is breaking apart and patching it will only delay the need for an overhaul.
FOR THE RECORD
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng states that there is no chance of the lights going out, people being unable to heat their homes or a 3-day working week. The British Chambers of Commerce however suggested that many factories were already considering reducing working hours or a 3 or 4 day week due to the high price of energy.
Johnson and Gove said that Brexit would mean lower gas prices – hmmm. Not tell untruths then??
THE WINTER AHEAD
In line with recent times it looks like this winter could be ‘interesting’. Fuel prices are definitely going to be higher – by how much we do not know yet. The impact on commercial coal firms is already hitting with CO2 production slashed which has an impact on meat processing and fizzy drinks, as well as the NHS whose supply the government says is safeguarded. So food and drink supplies are likely to be disrupted rather than curtailed. Power supplies should be OK but it might be touch or go at times if we have overcast high pressure reducing wind capacity and leading to low temperatures.