A Socialist slant !

[summerdays]

I think some things ought to be run by the state, not for profit: transport and NHS for starters.

I have worked in more than one public sector organisation, and think that on the whole people do care about doing a good job, but I think there is less feedback in the public sector than private (no bonuses if you do a really good job etc). In my current job I'm meeting the public all the time and do get some feedback - "Thanks" - that's all it can take to make someone feel like they are doing a job that is appreciated.

My boss broke her arm recently and could have had weeks off work, instead she has only the afternoon off that she had the accident, and then time off for physio appointments. She hasn't been able to process as much work as she is limited by the broken arm, but she is certainly putting in the effort. So some people in the public sector do care about doing a good job.

 

[Trembler49]

I think some things ought to be run by the state, not for profit: transport and NHS for starters.

I have worked in more than one public sector organisation, and think that on the whole people do care about doing a good job, but I think there is less feedback in the public sector than private (no bonuses if you do a really good job etc). In my current job I'm meeting the public all the time and do get some feedback - "Thanks" - that's all it can take to make someone feel like they are doing a job that is appreciated.

My boss broke her arm recently and could have had weeks off work, instead she has only the afternoon off that she had the accident, and then time off for physio appointments. She hasn't been able to process as much work as she is limited by the broken arm, but she is certainly putting in the effort. So some people in the public sector do care about doing a good job.

I think a lot of it is down to the culture of the industry which takes a long time to form or reform. The NHS, for all its faults, is a good exmaple of a pretty well run organisation for its size.

Other organisations e.g. local government vary widely from the example you have provided (very service orientated) to a bunch of complete idiots who take load sof time off (have encountered loads of them).

 

[ComedyPilot]

Politics thread, please move........

 

[jxyzb]

Politics thread, please move........

Motion seconded

 

[Arch]

I think we ought to be able to have a serious discussion in Cafe. As long as it doesn't turn nasty.

 

[summerdays]

I agree as I don't like to post in politics... too scarey!!! That's for the more hardened amounst us.

 

[Nicensleazy]

The sad thing is, there is now no turning back..................

 

[Mr Pig]

I agree. I don't see why it should be assumed that any kind of service can be run at a profit, and that running it for profit will automatically deliver a good service.

 

[ComedyPilot]

Perleeeeeeesssssssssseeeeeee.

Politics, not cafe!!!!

 

[gavintc]

The 'rose tinted' view of BR. Can you not remember how bad they were. Trains were always late, grumpy staff, old rolling stock and no realistic progress forward. At least we now have a series of services that have modern trains, on time and staff that actually smile. No, I will keep the privatised version thank you - a far superior option.

 

[summerdays]

On mainline Europe are the trains nationalised or not... certainly there seems to be lots of companies in Switzerland but they do it very well.

 

[peanut]

Bit OT but I was at the Science Museum today with the kids. Never get tired of seeing Stephenson's original Rocket there. So iconic!

Top speed? 29 mph!

bet it never had to stop for leaves on the line

Stephenson was good friends with Brunel. Apparently they helped each other on lots of projects.

re nationalisation I wonder if you are old enough to remember the strikes? weeks on end with no light no heat no fire engines, ambulances,public services all the docks on strike ,shortage of foods it was complete misery . It was the only way to break the union stranglehold on this Country.