As you no doubt have gathered I'm not particularly passionate or fussed about this issue one way or the other. I just thought a smart alec comment might help this profound discussion move along a bit.
I started work as a toolmaking apprentice and probably because I mucked up too many jobs my employer sent me off to Uni where I did an undergrad. degree in maths and a graduate degree in engineering. After waltzing around the world a bit I came back and started an engineering consultancy and later on an engineering manufacturing business, so I'm not too sure whose side I should be on.
I remember once when I was doing one of the jobs (one I didn't muck up) a bit faster than the tradesmen did it, the shop steward invited me up to his "office" and told me to slow down or I would stuff it up for everyone else. Which at the time seemed quite a logical proposition for a lad with a mathematical bent.
I might be wrong but I don't think there will be any earth shattering outcomes if the legislation gets through. It will probably provide some psychological incentives for the nervous nellies, at the edges, to either get into business or to employ a few more staff.
Employers aren't altogether stupid and good workers always get payed well. I tend to the view that those not genetically programmed to work are better off, out of harms way, on the dole. That view of course would not make me popular with my hero JH.
