To think that the BBCs economics editor should know the NMW?

[ArgyMargy]

I like Robert Peston but he has let himself down on the Today programme this morning. He didn't even come close - after a bit of bluster he said £7.20. I think if you are economics editor for the BBC you really should have a better grasp of minimum wage rates.

YANBU .

Is it £5 something? 13? 17?

He probably does - has nothing ever gone clean out of your head before?

Anyone under pressure can forget one of the million things they know.

He's only a few pence off the non-London new living wage figure. It could be temporary muddle between the figures, especially if he were about to discuss a different aspect of the economy.

Yes, there's lots of variations on the minimum wage now, particularly now the living wage is (hopefully) on the horizon. Is £6.50 for a non-London adult, yes? So yanbu, but frankly I'd forgive RP anything as I have an unseemly crush on him

We're long past the age of where having instant recollection of facts is important, facts are available to us whenever and wherever we want. The skill I want in an economics editor is economics knowledge, a skill at explaining the complicated situations etc.

YABU.

Ah, it's £6.50 if you're over 21, and £5.13 if you're 18-21.

it varies, and i wont take any criticism against him, i think he is great.

oh, same as notsogolden.
how funny

No, I heard that too and cringed. And I generally really like and rate Peston.

Everyone can forget something, especially when under pressure. I think he's fab and does a top job.

No YANBU. I think the great and good should at least give the impression that they grasp the facts of life for low and non-earners, otherwise how can you trust their economic analysis? Poor people are usually most affected by any change in economic conditions or policy so they should be at the front of policymakers and journalists' minds.

It changes every year and there are several variations, so YABU. I never bother memorising the new rates since I can look them up anytime I need to know them.

I forgot how to spell my daughter's name before!