As usual, I set off to investigate, to try to put his mind at rest. I don't think I succeeded! Let me explain. This week, several papers have come back to the topic of the dire 'Beecroft Report'.
Some commentators have implied that the Liberal Democrats are supporting the Beecroft recommendation of 'unfair dismissal' of employees. Some have even concluded that they are involved right up to their necks, or in the case of Vince Cable - down to their twinkling toes. Remember our Vince's performance on 'Strictly Come Dancing' - enough to make your eyes water.
Anyway - back to the main point of the post. Vince Cable has the reputation of being fair minded, left leaning and quite brilliant. During the last election campaign, he was given the nickname 'Invincible' Cable. Invincible, now that is quite a monniker to live up to. It means someone who is 'too powerful to be defeated or overcome'. It has what you might call the 'Wow' factor about it. A monniker that any politician would find very desirable, thank you!
Vince Cable is now not just seeking power - he has power. He is the Secretary of State for Business. In a recession - you don't get much more powerful than that! So how will this man who cannot be defeated or overcome use his power?
Vince Cable finds himself slap bang in the middle of a Coalition government that is desperately running hither and thither to find a solution, some solution, ANY solution to the mess in which they and the whole country find themselves. It was in this setting that the Coalition lighted upon the venture capitalist, Beercroft, who reported back that it was just fine to sack workers and deny them a claim for 'unfair dismissal'. This would undoubtedly stimulate the economy!!!
Such ideas are surely an anathema to a man like 'Invincible 'Vince Cable and to all real LibDems.
The Guardian in an editorial entitled: Employment law: the sack race made some interesting comments:
After insisting that he didn't want to spread fear of the sack, the business secretary nonetheless went on to float quick-fire redundancies, massively extended probationary periods and axing unfair dismissal protection for staff in small firms. Oh, and as if that were not enough, he confirmed that those lucky workers who retain rights in the future will soon have to pay a fee for the privilege of enforcing them at a tribunal.
The Guardian editorial continued:
The truth is that Mr Cable's apparent conversion to free-market fundamentalism is not for real, which explains why he struck an uneasy note on BBC radio. It is not any economic argument but a political horse-trade which has led to the line that Britain can prosper launching a sack race among small firms.
It seems that 'Invincible' Cable and 'Wailing Lad' Clegg, as one would forecast, are not cheering the prospect of the unconstrained sacking of employees. They have said as much to their quivering supporters. However, to sustain the credibility of the Coalition, they are required to agree to many of the Beecroft proposals.
The Guardian editorial concludes:
Thought procedural wheezes – such as merely "calling for evidence" rather than launching formal consultations – they may yet kill off the plans, by pushing them so close to the next election that the Conservatives are forced to back off.http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/23/employment-law-the-sack-race?INTCMP=SRCH
Hence, we have the rather undignified and troubling image of Cable and Clegg cha-cha-cha-ing their way to the throbbing rhythms of the Tory right-wing. Cable and Clegg's only recourse is to appear to trip over their own feet every now and again - to ask for the rhythms to be slowed down, so that they can catch up!
Maybe, it is a clever wheeze that will work, a sort of friendly filibuster. Maybe, 'Boy David' Cameron, Georgy Osborne et al will fall for it and slow down the frenzied pace. If they do, hundreds of thousands of employees will raise a cheer for the dirty dancing twosome of Cable and Clegg!
I hope Arturo feels a bit happier now.
'Bye'
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