Letter: We need to face up to the truth and provide for nation's future
The country seems to be refusing to face up to the truth that the future will not provide paid work for everybody.
Modern methods of production needs less unskilled and semi-skilled workers.
We are already short of school places, medical provision, good housing and yet we are soon to expect further immigration.
Many can see the social dangers of people of different cultures having to live together at times of poor services and low or non-existent wages.
An unfair blame game and the frustrations of forced idleness are the historic stuff of nightmares. Yet if enough people are without money to buy the goods that are for sale then even less workers will be needed.
The only objects that will be produced will be for the better-off and the social divide will become a real threat to our national well-being.
The social problems of the past will not be acceptable to those who find themselves so trapped in the future.
The supply of benefits is one way of spreading buying power but that will cause resentment to those who provide the money and that still does not answer the need to keep a population of working age occupied.
What is needed is surely to lower, not increase, retiring age and cut back on the working week. Easier said than done.
Providing zero-hour contracts without paid sick leave, holidays, sufficient hours or job security is an insult to the unemployed and just covers up the real unemployment figures.
Whether this nation has the spiritual honesty to address this matter is something else. We need to accept a less powerful and expensive role in world affairs and better provide for the priority needs of our nation's future.
Ian Collett, Ludlow
