Britain outside the EU

[Carth]

Weren't a lot of knowledgeable folks (experts lol) saying we needed these low-skilled immigrants to do the jobs our own low skilled lot wouldn't (or couldn't afford) to do?

I definitely remember much wailing and moaning because flowers and fruit weren't getting picked.

Originally Posted by Carth

Weren't a lot of knowledgeable folks (experts lol) saying we needed these low-skilled immigrants to do the jobs our own low skilled lot wouldn't (or couldn't afford) to do?

I definitely remember much wailing and moaning because flowers and fruit weren't getting picked.

Before Brexit, the picking et al was done by EU citizens who (mostly) were seasonal or went home after a few years, having earned enough (you know, like the Geordie builders did in "Auf Weidersehn, Pet").

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by Hugh

Before Brexit, the picking et al was done by EU citizens who (mostly) were seasonal or went home after a few years, having earned enough (you know, like the Geordie builders did in "Auf Weidersehn, Pet").

But why weren't those Europeans picking fruit etc in their own country?

And if that was because there had already been a full picking job uptake in their countries, then perhaps now, there is huge unemployment in those countries; or what?

And, what happened in the UK to the suspension of the dole money if you didn't take an available job brokered by the Job Centre?

This ought to be an easy fix. Rejoining the EU solves no structural problem in the UK. Fix those first then our options can be considered without undue noise.

[Carth]

Originally Posted by Hugh

Before Brexit, the picking et al was done by EU citizens who (mostly) were seasonal or went home after a few years, having earned enough (you know, like the Geordie builders did in "Auf Weidersehn, Pet").

I remember when I was just a young whippersnapper there were 'gangs' of women and kids that used to be bussed out to farms.
We spent many happy(ish) hours picking stuff (strawberries were good lol) for a few shillings in our pockets.
It all seemed to die off, and I'm not sure if the Gov. had a hand in it, possibly not liking people earning a few bob without being taxed or kicking the farmers for some kind of 'underhand' employment issues

I also remember working at places where students would arrive for a few months to do some menial work (to help pay off their loans probably). I think that stopped when 'zero contract' hours appeared and Agencies started breeding like rabbits everywhere.

[Sephiroth]

I remember the days when I and some of my mates got holiday jobs at the Borough of Willesden as road sweepers. I even got promoted to house clearing truck driver's mate.

I once deputised for "Percy" who had the treasured High Road pitch; that was a m oney tree with generous shopkeepers anxious to dispose of stuff. Tips were shared, of course, with the other road sweepers.

[papa smurf]

Originally Posted by Carth

I remember when I was just a young whippersnapper there were 'gangs' of women and kids that used to be bussed out to farms.
We spent many happy(ish) hours picking stuff (strawberries were good lol) for a few shillings in our pockets.
It all seemed to die off, and I'm not sure if the Gov. had a hand in it, possibly not liking people earning a few bob without being taxed or kicking the farmers for some kind of 'underhand' employment issues

I also remember working at places where students would arrive for a few months to do some menial work (to help pay off their loans probably). I think that stopped when 'zero contract' hours appeared and Agencies started breeding like rabbits everywhere.

i did it when i was 14 picked strawberry's for cash,no tax involved,maybe that's the problem the gov wants a share of everything.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by papa smurf

i did it when i was 14 picked strawberry's for cash,no tax involved,maybe that's the problem the gov wants a share of everything.

Turning a blind eye to that and wider would so unlock the economy. Again, no need for the EU.