Lis Truss
British workers ‘among the worst idlers in the world’ says new book by local MP and Government minister
Thursday, September 13, 2012
1:41 PM
A BOOK published today and part-written by local MP and Government minister Liz Truss brands British workers as “among the worst idlers in the world”
Britain Unchained was authored by South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss, now an education minister, along with four other Conservative MPs, and also argues that British pupils avoid taking difficult subjects in school.
The book aims to compare the UK to other countries across the world which are experiencing stronger economic growth, in order to draw lessons for future policy.
One chapter of the book, entitled Work Ethic, discusses low productivity in Britain and a perception in the UK that foreign immigrants are prepared to work harder.
It begins: “Once they enter the workplace, the British are among the worst idlers in the world. We work among the lowest hours, we retire early and our productivity is poor. Whereas Indian children aspire to be doctors or businessmen, the British are more interested in football and pop music.”
Ms Truss said that she was unable to discuss the book since becoming a minister in the recent reshuffle – she won a job in the Department for Education with responsibility for early years schooling.
As well as the British work ethic and the state of public finances when the 2008 crisis struck, the book suggests the country’s education system is fundamentally linked to its current problems and future economic growth.
It highlights how more students in the UK are abandoning maths and sciences in favour of “easier” options.
“Instead of hard choices, students apply for a degree in media or business, which will often allow for the study of easier A-Levels,” the book reads.
“As with US colleges, science A-Levels are more harshly marked than those in media or sociology, the difference being up to a grade. In a culture of equivalence, where all subjects are deemed equal, students make the seemingly rational choice of going for the easier option.”
But the comments have not been welcomed by the Labour party, who have accused Ms Truss of slandering British workers who are struggling to make ends meet during the recession.
Latest News See all
- GALLERY & VIDEO: Crowds line Whittlesey, Pondersbridge, Benwick and Ramsey Mereside for thrilling cycle race
- Worker tells how he ran to help woman trapped in overturned car on Fenland road
- 500-acre Ouse Washes plans submitted to council
- Jury shown photographs of dead woman in Wisbech hotel room in murder trial
- Councillor denies allegations over “newcomers” jibe
More News
- GALLERY & VIDEO: Crowds line Whittlesey, Pondersbridge, Benwick and Ramsey Mereside for thrilling cycle race
- Worker tells how he ran to help woman trapped in overturned car on Fenland road
- 500-acre Ouse Washes plans submitted to council
- Jury shown photographs of dead woman in Wisbech hotel room in murder trial
- Councillor denies allegations over “newcomers” jibe
- Tribute set up to popular Whittlesey Big Issue seller who died earlier this year
- Plans for a new mini housing estate in March have been granted
- Further spending cuts will put frontline fire services at risk, new chairman warns
- Wisbech dancers help England pick up historic gold at European Championships
- College of West Anglia artists and designers to showcase talents in major exhibition
Letters
What's On
Wisbech Standard
Retailer List
ADVERTISEMENT
4 comments
That's rich coming from an MP. Surely our MP's are the lazyist in the world? They don't decide on anything too with Europe, as Brussels does. Scotland, Wales, N.Ireland have their own Parliaments. So apart from holiday, and 'fiddle' their expenses what DO MP's do?
Report this comment
Stephen Bligdon
Saturday, September 15, 2012
What a totally crass and insulting thing to say. And it's pretty rich of an MP to accuse to accuse working people of being idlers - I wish I could get several months holiday a year, a gold plated pension, free travel to work, a taxpayer-funded mortgage and most household expenses paid for by my employer. Hopefully all the "idlers" in her constituency will show her what they think of her views at the next election.
Report this comment
Norfolk and Good
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Perhaps this MP and her co-authors should talk to Honda, Tata and other employers about their "idle" workers....Just how long is Parliament in recess each year?
Report this comment
Kasmarch
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Comparing the kids in the uk with kids who even if they aren't actually in poverty see poverty and the real pain it causes right under their noses with no other way to suceed other than to work extreemly hard. It might be better to compare them with other northern european nations who give their students free access to public transport and cheaper accommodation while they study. This country tis riddled with transport poverty, limited choices as in what to study where, a media that only makes megalomaniac sociopaths into role models and are being constantly told there are no jobs when they finish. We live in an unregulated free for all while our european cousins don't have red tops, gossip mags and talent shows ruining the media, integrated public transport so people can afford to get around in order to better themselves and affordable housing. This country really stinks at the moment!
Report this comment
christine jones
Thursday, September 13, 2012