Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

I think a lot of people are over simplifying this by dragging it down to the level of gutter press xenophobia and paranoia (for example The Sun).

NTL have stated they are implementing this as a matter of impartiality and professionalism. They are not saying people shouldn't be allowed to boast the English flag if they want to. They're just not allowing it to be done on or in conjunction with their livery, by their staff, at their expense during working hours. It's quite simple. During your working hours you are expected to behave as an employee - on their terms.

As to the question of what multiculturalism has to do with the English flag I think you'll find that there are quite a few second and third generation immigrants to the UK (specifically England) who recall, with less than a wistful tear, the days of dear old Blighty as an aggressive, conquering empire builder. I think NTL are being responsible to their sensitivities given the current climate of mistrust generated by opportunist scaremongers such as "The Sun".

Whether NTL are doing this for social or economic reasons is largely irrelevant, the fact is they are doing it. Some elements of society will be reciprocal in that regard and others will be scathing in their attacks on a perceived bending of the knee to the "pc team".

The bottom line is that there are a very large number of people who view the flying of the England flag as triumphalist and threatening. Unfortunately legitimate supporters are lumped in with racists and fascists in their opinion as there are no clear lines of distinction. This has come about because certain right wing groups have hijacked the flag for nefarious purposes.

That these groups were able to do so with minimal intervention on the part of Government went some way to undermining the worth of the flag as a national symbol - it became "tainted" and instead of being a subject of national pride it is now viewed by many with suspicion and, to a certain degree, fear.

Without wishing to demean the subject I think due consideration should be given to those citizens who suffer more than not being allowed to celebrate their national team / nationality during working hours.

What about the many dozens of innocent England fans who are deprived of their very nationality for the duration of football campaigns where their passports are confiscated just because they appear on a suspect list? Who is fighting their corner?

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

We live in England we should be able to show who we support in our own country

It is a Joke imo

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

Could you please explain what's wrong with a company wanting to maintain a) a professional image amongst its employees, and b) an impartial image? What exactly is it that makes it a joke?

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

It is a Joke that companies are stopping workers from showing thier support for the country they live in, christ sake its only for 1 month well 2 weeks every 4 years.

lets just relax about it all please

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

If you're using your own vehicle and in your own time I say you're free to display your patriotism in any way you see fit.

But while you are professional and representing your company, company rules must be adhered to IMO.

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

Well said, and i must agree with you on that :)

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

What tosh! The company isn't stopping anyone from showing their support - the employees just aren't allowed to drape their vans in anything that would mean the company appears unprofessional or acting in anything other than an impartial manner. These employees are free to cover their own vehicles in whatever crap they want!

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

If they don't like get on the next boat out then... what a crap statement!
Sorry but I have to take issue with that kind of statement, most are only here because of the Empire.
What complete tosh, I see the liberal do-gooders are here :-(

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

No, 'most are only here' because, post-war, we didn't have the 'indigenous' manpower for the manufacturing industry (amongst others)...

I see that our more right-wing members still don't like it when someone disagrees wuth them :rolleyes:

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

OK guys, let's get this back on topic.....

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

Apologies :)

As I said (yesterday, I think), the company I work for isn't doing anything for the World Cup, but I just accept it :shrug: As was said in that article, ntl have taken this decision so that they're seen as impartial, so what's the problem?

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

After bouts of redundancies, even more on the cards, and morale at an all time low...how do you expect us to react? It's moves like this that put morale down even further. So when we are told we will get a written warning for showing some national pride you can understand why we get a little bit ****ed off with the management.

nfs6600

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

:tu::tu::tu:

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

What part of it do you not understand? No-one is telling you you'll get a warning for showing national pride - what they are saying is whilst at work you are to be professional. Isn't that plain to see?

Re: No flags allowed on ntl/TW vans
 

I can imagine being annoyed at all that is going on.

However, can you understand that for those of us who do not work for NTL (and who may have a dress code at work), it seems a little silly to complain about not being able to have a flag on your van (which many people find naff regardless of whatever team they support)?

It's a friggin company. They deal with the public. Many members of the public don't like football and find all the footie madness quite irritating. Surely a company is allowed to ask of their staff to not annoy the customers they visit?

---------- Post added at 00:06 ---------- Previous post was at 00:04 ----------

Likewise, you could consider changing employer.