Sick of all the tv programes about people on benefits?

[estellyn]

I'm not sure of the point you're trying to make here.

[estellyn]

Surely the point is that they are continually running down UK nationals. It's complete bull that the foreigners work harder.

 

True, I don't think migrants work any harder.

 

I also don't think that the conditions migrants choose to live in has an effect on minimum wage. There are always people who will choose to live, or are forced to live in poor conditions who will have lower outgoings than someone with a family in standard accommodation. I've lived in bedsits in a past - £60 a week, all bills included, and it's much easier to manage on a minimum wage job.

 

The wage problem isn't about migrants, it's about having a large pool of unemployed. This puts the power in the hands of the employer rather than the employee, who without a minimum wage can set a wage as low as they want. When there was 100% employment, the power was in the hands of the employee - to attract and keep good workers, an employer would have to offer more than other employers. It is up to the government now to ensure that an appropriate minimum wage is set. A decent minimum wage means a much lower welfare bill.

 

So we shouldn't blame migrants or UK nationals - it is the fault of government and employers. And to employers moaning that they can't afford a higher minimum wage - wage costs are part of business and the state shouldn't be subsidising a business's wage costs.If they can't pay a living wage then they need to rethink the business model.

 

ETA: And to the OP, don't fall for the propaganda - government and big business (who have a huge sway over media) want your blame placed away from them and so point to people to vilify so there are fewer questions and pressure on them.