To Help With The Cost Of Living Crisis And Add Subsidy To The Low Pension Income of Shrikeshire's OAP's A Council Scheme Proposes Pensioners Should Be Sent To Work To Earn Their Benefits
In a solution offered up to combat the cost of living crisis, Shrikeshire County Parish Council has come up with a mandatory Back To Work scheme for Pensioners, that would have them placed in the workforce to not only earn their pension money but a bit extra on the side too. The idea is two fold, to make them feel useful and a more productive member of the community, and secondly they will have more money to be able to afford their essentials and cope with the rising costs of everyday life.
Those absolved are those with severe disabilities unable to work office jobs, and anyone at life-threatening risk. Extra consideration is given to anyone with military service who are exempt from any placements outdoors, and can apply for any indoor job they deem preferable.
Of course immediate opposition came from the business sector, used to taking on youth placements and far younger generations in order to achieve higher positions in the company. David Pryce who owns a Print Finishers in Angorstock leads the most vocal voice, “As a representative for local businesses in the area, I have to condemn the ludicrous pilot scheme. I’ve been allocated an 87 year old ex-Kabaddi Instructor, and I’m wondering how that’s going to help me run my business without having to slow down and lose profits in the process?”
Despite outcries Mayor Graham Parsnip representing Shrikeshire Council adds, “Think of it as free labour rather than having to think of the loss. This pilot scheme is funded entirely by the County Parish Council sponsoring work placements for the Pensioners. It’s really win-win for local businesses. No labour costs, and free help.”
He was countered by opponent David Pryce with “It’s not free when you have to spend time training someone in their late 80’s. The learning curve is steep, and requires time commitment and extra attention. I’ve no problem with a 16 to 18 year old, on the condition that teenager wishes to stay on with the business for years.”
We had to censor for sensitivities a subsequent remark by Mr Pryce suggesting that the elderly will be indulging with far more lavatory breaks than necessary for a working day.
73 year old Morag Graham was put to work in the streets of Rimmingham, sweeping roads, collecting litter and making the urban areas neat and tidy. She gasps on her tea break “It’s hard graft, I will say this much. They certainly make you work for every penny. But the extra quids at the end of the month will make sure I’m not rationing anymore. Yes it’s been that bad.”
Morag was asked to comment on the opposition to the new pilot scheme, “I think it’s ridiculous, why I can’t be just as good as some Youth Training kid that hasn’t got an ounce of life experience under his belt? I’m happy to prove societal stereotypes wrong and show them how to thrive in a lovely working environment.”
When does a person outlive their usefulness? The questions of age competency kept coming up and whilst Mayor Parsnip was quick to point out this was a pilot scheme being thoroughly tested! If successful it would be proposed as a National change, but many opponents fear that this is the beginning of the end of some local businesses.
We believe the last word should be given to 92 year old Doris Davies who has been training to operate mechanical chimney sweeps the past fortnight, “It’s not what you do it’s the way that you do it! David Pryce is nothing but an ageist fossil, and the thing about fossils is they crumble when the going gets tough!”
What do you think about the new pilot scheme: Is it a massive boost to confidence giving the elderly more drive and purpose, or it is cheap labour and a detriment to long term business prosperity? Comment below.
