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Post by stuttgartershrew on Mar 3, 2021 11:54:11 GMT 1
I have never really understood this apparent obsession with foreign travel, especially when you genuinely look at what we possess in this country as regards lovely places to visit and stay at. As we tend to holiday in England and Wales I'm not sure how to take this...
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Post by northwestman on Mar 3, 2021 11:57:19 GMT 1
Well exactly. Abroad's a great place if you like hot weather and lying on a beach for a fortmight but for beautiful countryside, fascinating history, great food and drink and outdoor leisure activities there's no better country in the world than the UK. There's a lot more to foreign travel than hot weather and lying on the beach. Every country has beautiful countryside, fascinating history, great food and drink and outdoor activities. Not if you're a meat and 2 veg man. Most stuff ending in a or i is strictly off limits to me. Am also no fan of the fish we catch but have to sell to EU as there isn't much of a market here. I've been brought up on fish and chip shops. Silver hake, chips cooked in beef dripping, battered scallops and mushy peas - wonderful! Nothing to beat a hand crafted UK cask conditioned bitter either. Besides which, I eat to live rather than live to eat.
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Post by stuttgartershrew on Mar 3, 2021 11:59:37 GMT 1
Nor me. I have never possessed a passport. Well exactly. Abroad's a great place if you like hot weather and lying on a beach for a fortmight but for beautiful countryside, fascinating history, great food and drink and outdoor leisure activities there's no better country in the world than the UK. But how would you know if you're only sat on a beach? Look at Stuttgart, I suspect we're as far away from any beach as you can image. We're right smack in the middle of Europe. But its a great place to visit, so much to do, so much to see. Beautiful countryside, fascinating history, great food and drink and outdoor leisure activities; it's all here too. I guess it might come down to the "I can get that here" but I don't think that is the case at all. Germany for example is a great place, its well worth a visit (beach or no beach)...👍
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Post by Pilch on Mar 3, 2021 12:17:17 GMT 1
Well exactly. Abroad's a great place if you like hot weather and lying on a beach for a fortmight but for beautiful countryside, fascinating history, great food and drink and outdoor leisure activities there's no better country in the world than the UK. But how would you know if you're only sat on a beach? Look at Stuttgart, I suspect we're as far away from any beach as you can image. We're right smack in the middle of Europe. But its a great place to visit, so much to do, so much to see. Beautiful countryside, fascinating history, great food and drink and outdoor leisure activities; it's all here too. I guess it might come down to the "I can get that here" but I don't think that is the case at all. Germany for example is a great place, its well worth a visit (beach or no beach)...👍 Germany has a coastline 1/5 the size of England I doubt there are many towels on it though 🥶 Having been born in Germany and lived there for 2 years ive always wanted to go back as I have zero memories from there for those that say there is a lot in this country they are right In fact there a several years worth of exploring in and around Shrewsbury to be done
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Post by stuttgartershrew on Mar 3, 2021 12:36:22 GMT 1
But how would you know if you're only sat on a beach? Look at Stuttgart, I suspect we're as far away from any beach as you can image. We're right smack in the middle of Europe. But its a great place to visit, so much to do, so much to see. Beautiful countryside, fascinating history, great food and drink and outdoor leisure activities; it's all here too. I guess it might come down to the "I can get that here" but I don't think that is the case at all. Germany for example is a great place, its well worth a visit (beach or no beach)...👍 Germany has a coastline 1/5 the size of England I doubt there are many towels on it though 🥶 Having been born in Germany and lived there for 2 years ive always wanted to go back as I have zero memories from there for those that say there is a lot in this country they are right In fact there a several years worth of exploring in and around Shrewsbury to be done If Bridlington is good enough then I see no issue with the German coast. As it happens I have a good few colleagues who take holidays in north Germany, on the Baltic coast. Its supposed to be very nice up there. Where were you born? You should pop over, I'm sure you would have a great trip. Take some football in too.👍
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Post by sheltonsalopian on Mar 3, 2021 12:40:46 GMT 1
I realise this comes across as bitter but I'm going to find it hard to stomach paying more tax to help pay off the huge debt pile built up by the response to COVID. I haven't been furloughed at all and yet will soon be asked to pay more to cover the costs of those that have had 18 months off.
Yes I know this may be irrational but it's hard knowing someone who's been furloughed since last March and probably will be up to October having an 18 month paid holiday and knowing that I'll have to pay more in taxes to cover it.
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Post by shrewder on Mar 3, 2021 12:58:14 GMT 1
I realise this comes across as bitter but I'm going to find it hard to stomach paying more tax to help pay off the huge debt pile built up by the response to COVID. I haven't been furloughed at all and yet will soon be asked to pay more to cover the costs of those that have had 18 months off. Yes I know this may be irrational but it's hard knowing someone who's been furloughed since last March and probably will be up to October having an 18 month paid holiday and knowing that I'll have to pay more in taxes to cover it. It's a viewpoint but I don't imagine those that have been furloughed have seen the time off work as paid holiday. There will have been a shortfall in many pay packets. I am no supporter of this government but to have done nothing would have been a disaster for all of us , with many additional businesses going to the wall.
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Post by sheltonsalopian on Mar 3, 2021 13:01:19 GMT 1
I realise this comes across as bitter but I'm going to find it hard to stomach paying more tax to help pay off the huge debt pile built up by the response to COVID. I haven't been furloughed at all and yet will soon be asked to pay more to cover the costs of those that have had 18 months off. Yes I know this may be irrational but it's hard knowing someone who's been furloughed since last March and probably will be up to October having an 18 month paid holiday and knowing that I'll have to pay more in taxes to cover it. It's a viewpoint but I don't imagine those that have been furloughed have seen the time off work as paid holiday. There will have been a shortfall in many pay packets. I am no supporter of this government but to have done nothing would have been a disaster for all of us , with many additional businesses going to the wall. I agree which is why I said my viewpoint may be irrational. I'm not hating the people on Furlough but I think it's created a very unfair divide on those who kept working throughout who will along with everyone else have to pay for it.
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Post by shrewder on Mar 3, 2021 13:04:37 GMT 1
It's a viewpoint but I don't imagine those that have been furloughed have seen the time off work as paid holiday. There will have been a shortfall in many pay packets. I am no supporter of this government but to have done nothing would have been a disaster for all of us , with many additional businesses going to the wall. I agree which is why I said my viewpoint may be irrational. I'm not hating the people on Furlough but I think it's created a very unfair divide on those who kept working throughout who will along with everyone else have to pay for it. Well I am retired but if I was still of working age I would have much preferred to be in work than furloughed.
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Post by staffordshrew on Mar 3, 2021 13:05:05 GMT 1
It's a viewpoint but I don't imagine those that have been furloughed have seen the time off work as paid holiday. There will have been a shortfall in many pay packets. I am no supporter of this government but to have done nothing would have been a disaster for all of us , with many additional businesses going to the wall. I agree which is why I said my viewpoint may be irrational. I'm not hating the people on Furlough but I think it's created a very unfair divide on those who kept working throughout who will along with everyone else have to pay for it. If it eases the pain, some employers are paying back furlough money, if they can afford to. Ikea for one I believe.
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Post by stuttgartershrew on Mar 3, 2021 13:06:52 GMT 1
It's a viewpoint but I don't imagine those that have been furloughed have seen the time off work as paid holiday. There will have been a shortfall in many pay packets. I am no supporter of this government but to have done nothing would have been a disaster for all of us , with many additional businesses going to the wall. I agree which is why I said my viewpoint may be irrational. I'm not hating the people on Furlough but I think it's created a very unfair divide on those who kept working throughout who will along with everyone else have to pay for it. Think I get what you mean; not that you don't support the furlough scheme, understand that its needed and should be provided. Just that it's looking to be a tad unfair looking ahead to the budget today as to who will be asked to burden the cost of it (with I gather, a tax increase heading your way)?
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Post by staffordshrew on Mar 3, 2021 13:15:37 GMT 1
I agree which is why I said my viewpoint may be irrational. I'm not hating the people on Furlough but I think it's created a very unfair divide on those who kept working throughout who will along with everyone else have to pay for it. Think I get what you mean; not that you don't support the furlough scheme, understand that its needed and should be provided. Just that it's looking to be a tad unfair looking ahead to the budget today as to who will be asked to burden the cost of it (with I gather, a tax increase heading your way)? Can't think of a fiscal move that would support it, but it would be a gesture if those that have carried on working got something, or were relieved of a little of the pay back, by way of reward.
The talk of the bill being paid, highlights why questions were relevant about the huge Test and Trace development cost and contracts being appointed to "chums". We might soon be told that there really is no magic money tree after all.
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Post by sheltonsalopian on Mar 3, 2021 13:24:59 GMT 1
I agree which is why I said my viewpoint may be irrational. I'm not hating the people on Furlough but I think it's created a very unfair divide on those who kept working throughout who will along with everyone else have to pay for it. Think I get what you mean; not that you don't support the furlough scheme, understand that its needed and should be provided. Just that it's looking to be a tad unfair looking ahead to the budget today as to who will be asked to burden the cost of it (with I gather, a tax increase heading your way)? Yeah it's a very confused take because without furlough there would have been job losses everywhere but from my personal point of view taxes will rise (maybe not now, but in October) to pay for all the money spent during COVID (furlough scheme etc) of which I didn't benefit at all. I know what the answer is; taxes will rise for everyone but just find it a bit unfair considering I haven't had any support throughout.
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Post by shrewder on Mar 3, 2021 13:29:27 GMT 1
Think I get what you mean; not that you don't support the furlough scheme, understand that its needed and should be provided. Just that it's looking to be a tad unfair looking ahead to the budget today as to who will be asked to burden the cost of it (with I gather, a tax increase heading your way)? Yeah it's a very confused take because without furlough there would have been job losses everywhere but from my personal point of view taxes will rise (maybe not now, but in October) to pay for all the money spent during COVID (furlough scheme etc) of which I didn't benefit at all. I know what the answer is; taxes will rise for everyone but just find it a bit unfair considering I haven't had any support throughout. Out of interest what is your line of work?
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Post by sheltonsalopian on Mar 3, 2021 13:34:46 GMT 1
Yeah it's a very confused take because without furlough there would have been job losses everywhere but from my personal point of view taxes will rise (maybe not now, but in October) to pay for all the money spent during COVID (furlough scheme etc) of which I didn't benefit at all. I know what the answer is; taxes will rise for everyone but just find it a bit unfair considering I haven't had any support throughout. Out of interest what is your line of work? I work for a manufacturer, more specifically on the IT side.
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Post by Feedo Gnasher on Mar 3, 2021 13:36:08 GMT 1
Those in the public sector may end up with the double whammy of tax rises and a pay freeze.
Ultimately somebody’s got to pay for it all, I can’t say I blame the furlough scheme, instead it’s the billions that was completely frittered away on unsuitable contracts, test and trace etc due to cronyism/incompetence which will most rankle.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2021 13:39:14 GMT 1
There's a lot more to foreign travel than hot weather and lying on the beach. Every country has beautiful countryside, fascinating history, great food and drink and outdoor activities. Not if you're a meat and 2 veg man. Most stuff ending in a or i is strictly off limits to me. Am also no fan of the fish we catch but have to sell to EU as there isn't much of a market here. I've been brought up on fish and chip shops. Silver hake, chips cooked in beef dripping, battered scallops and mushy peas - wonderful! Nothing to beat a hand crafted UK cask conditioned bitter either. Besides which, I eat to live rather than live to eat. How you chose to spend your jollies is up to you. I was merely suggesting that there's a lot more to foreign holidays than sun and beaches. I personally hate sitting on the beach. My holidays tend to be activity based.
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Post by Pilch on Mar 3, 2021 13:39:53 GMT 1
I agree which is why I said my viewpoint may be irrational. I'm not hating the people on Furlough but I think it's created a very unfair divide on those who kept working throughout who will along with everyone else have to pay for it. If it eases the pain, some employers are paying back furlough money, if they can afford to. Ikea for one I believe.
I would like to see a full database of who claimed furlough and how much would no doubt show up a few cheats
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Post by Pilch on Mar 3, 2021 13:41:44 GMT 1
Not if you're a meat and 2 veg man. Most stuff ending in a or i is strictly off limits to me. Am also no fan of the fish we catch but have to sell to EU as there isn't much of a market here. I've been brought up on fish and chip shops. Silver hake, chips cooked in beef dripping, battered scallops and mushy peas - wonderful! Nothing to beat a hand crafted UK cask conditioned bitter either. Besides which, I eat to live rather than live to eat. How you chose to spend your jollies is up to you. I was merely suggesting that there's a lot more to foreign holidays than sun and beaches. I personally hate sitting on the beach. My holidays tend to be activity based. I’m currently spending 4 weeks leave at home shielding ( I won’t get the leave back ) , might go exploring the attic later 😜
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2021 13:42:06 GMT 1
Out of interest what is your line of work? I work for a manufacturer, more specifically on the IT side. In that case, just view the furlough scheme as mutually supporting. Your company may have future customers, because the government was able to prop up a company. It will benefit you in the longer term.
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Post by Flixton_shrew on Mar 3, 2021 13:52:21 GMT 1
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Post by Feedo Gnasher on Mar 3, 2021 14:09:48 GMT 1
If it eases the pain, some employers are paying back furlough money, if they can afford to. Ikea for one I believe.
I would like to see a full database of who claimed furlough and how much would no doubt show up a few cheats I think you’d find a not insubstantial number of companies claiming when they probably don’t need to, whilst well within they’re rights to it’s probably immoral in the eyes of most. And then they’ll be another, probably smaller group who are fraudulently benefitting, such as claiming the furlough whilst still getting the employee to work etc. Obviously it could’ve been made a lot stricter, but give companies too many hoops to jump through and they simply would find it easier to make the employee redundant. It’s been a really tough balancing act for the chancellor.
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Post by staffordshrew on Mar 3, 2021 14:20:51 GMT 1
Wouldn't be suprised to see that firm pay it back when they can get going again - it's going to be a badge of honour for responsible companies to say we payed all the furlough money back, especially for a company where the Chancellor's wife has a stake.
I like the fact that we have a savvy Chancellor who knows how to be successful - marry a super-rich wife.
Suppose the Chancellor before, who lasted a few weeks is back benching these days - I've never heard of him again.
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Post by martinshrew on Mar 3, 2021 14:27:59 GMT 1
I realise this comes across as bitter but I'm going to find it hard to stomach paying more tax to help pay off the huge debt pile built up by the response to COVID. I haven't been furloughed at all and yet will soon be asked to pay more to cover the costs of those that have had 18 months off. Yes I know this may be irrational but it's hard knowing someone who's been furloughed since last March and probably will be up to October having an 18 month paid holiday and knowing that I'll have to pay more in taxes to cover it. Doesn't look like you're going to have to pay more tax? I haven't been furloughed, worked everyday throughout and wouldn't swap it for furlough in a million years. 20% less pay, utter boredom, worry of losing the job. You must be bonkers if you're envious, I feel sorry for all my furloughed colleagues.
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Post by zenfootball2 on Mar 3, 2021 15:52:49 GMT 1
moving in the right direction but still to high, when you consider germany will not be easing restictions in a region until it is 35 cases per 100,000 www.shropshirestar.com/news/health/coronavirus-covid19/2021/03/03/infection-rates-see-another-significant-drop-but-still-a-long-way-to-go-says-top-medic/"The latest figures show declining infection rates in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Powys, with a combination of vaccinations and the ongoing lockdown appearing to take effect. The rate in Shropshire has fallen by 35 to 99 cases per 100,000 people, by 24 to 160 in Telford & Wrekin, and by 34 to 64 in Powys." " dr Rose added that the trust’s hospitals still have about 70 coronavirus patients being treated for the illness – considerably higher than last summer, when it was about 10. It comes as the number of people to have died from Covid at the trust now stands at 521."
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Post by staffordshrew on Mar 4, 2021 14:47:48 GMT 1
I don't know what's going on when Boris visited Stoke: No masks? The little chap totally ignoring him is either going to be a Labour voter or is Gove's son!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2021 16:22:02 GMT 1
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Post by northwestman on Mar 4, 2021 19:31:33 GMT 1
www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/mar/04/priti-patel-reaches-six-figure-settlement-with-ex-home-office-chief-philip-rutnamPriti Patel has reached a six-figure settlement with a senior civil servant following claims that he was forced out of his job for intervening in her alleged bullying of fellow staff, it has emerged. Sir Philip Rutnam, the former permanent secretary in the Home Office, had threatened to take the home secretary to an employment tribunal hearing in September. He also claimed he had been hounded out of his job for defending his staff, and was suing the government under whistleblowing laws. The payoff means Patel and Boris Johnson will no longer face the possibility of giving evidence before a public tribunal. It will, however, lead to demands to explain how much has been spent defending the home secretary. www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9326449/Government-settles-bullying-claim-against-Priti-Patel-former-civil-servant.htmlMs Patel was allowed to remain in her post after an internal investigation last November when the Prime Minister decided her actions did not warrant being sacked. No surprise then. Yet another claim settled in order to avoid the government having to give evidence at an Employment Tribunal. We've been here before. www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/nov/13/special-adviser-sacked-by-dominic-cummings-to-receive-payoffWhitehall sources said that the government had offered Rutnam £340,000 in compensation for the loss of his job alongside a gagging agreement that prevents him from speaking about the case. However, ministers are still facing a judicial review being brought by the FDA, the union for senior civil servants, over Boris Johnson’s decision to clear Patel of bullying under the ministerial code. If successful this could result in both Rutnam and Patel being called to give evidence. The Times.
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Post by staffordshrew on Mar 4, 2021 19:49:01 GMT 1
Is this pay out coming out of Priti's purse? I think I know the answer.
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Post by northwestman on Mar 4, 2021 19:55:51 GMT 1
Is this pay out coming out of Priti's purse? I think I know the answer. No more so than the Cummings settlement came out of his money. No, as usual the taxpayer foots the bill.
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