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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

What kind of fucked-up, dysfunctional workplace is our government operating in?

611 replies

noblegiraffe · 15/01/2022 11:03

Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament? Can't get through the day without a suitcase of wine in Downing Street, drugs everywhere in Parliament? Subsidised bars on work premises?

I guess the fact that they tried to make an exemption for the bars in the Houses of Parliament when introducing a curfew for pubs should have been a warning sign that there's far too much reliance on alcohol in our ruling classes.

There was a lot of talk about standards in public life during the Owen Paterson scandal. Surely not being pissed or high on the job is a basic standard?

Aside from the issue that they couldn't even stop having massive piss-ups during lockdown, AIBU to think that something needs to be done to introduce basic rules like 'If you're not safe to drive, you're not allowed to vote in new laws'?

If you wouldn't be happy with a teacher teaching your kids half-cut and would expect rules to prevent this, why should we tolerate our government ruling the country while making their way through the contents of the wine fridge?

People have been posting 'oh yes, it's always been like this'.

Well it shouldn't be in future.

OP posts:
Original poster
noblegiraffe · 15/01/2022 19:46

I'm merely stating the truth, that work bars, drinks etc. are quite normal in the city. It's not a Downing Street only thing

You said I was being ridiculous when I said that people were claiming it was totally normal....and yet here you are saying it's totally normal. Hmm

As I have said, comparisons to the private sector are stupid. Taxpayers paying for people to get pissed on the job is not acceptable.

People who are supposed to be running the country being pissed on the job is not acceptable.

And if you don't understand why, when you are not allowed to drive under the influence, or teach under the influence, you should also not run the country under the influence, then the problem isn't with the argument.

OP posts:
Wheresmywoolyjumpers · 15/01/2022 19:49

Work in health care. A grateful client once gave me a bottle of wine as a thank you. I was so freaked out I had to call my boss to report it and then walk out to lock it in my car boot.

WinnersDinner · 15/01/2022 19:50

@noblegiraffe

I'm merely stating the truth, that work bars, drinks etc. are quite normal in the city. It's not a Downing Street only thing

You said I was being ridiculous when I said that people were claiming it was totally normal....and yet here you are saying it's totally normal. Hmm

As I have said, comparisons to the private sector are stupid. Taxpayers paying for people to get pissed on the job is not acceptable.

People who are supposed to be running the country being pissed on the job is not acceptable.

And if you don't understand why, when you are not allowed to drive under the influence, or teach under the influence, you should also not run the country under the influence, then the problem isn't with the argument.

Nope

I said you were being ridiculous claiming people said 'everyone does it'

No one has said that

Your reading comprehension is truly shocking

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 15/01/2022 19:52

I've never worked anywhere that doesn't have alcohol as an option for work drinks and boozy lunches on a Friday

You said.

Well, you really should have prefaced that with 'I haven't worked in very many places at all and accept that my workplaces do not represent the norm', shouldn't you?

OP posts:
kickupafuss · 15/01/2022 19:56

A long time ago in my first teaching post, all the staff went to the pub on Friday for a pub lunch and half a lager. My colleagues are amazed when I tell them this, not only because of the drinking but because we managed to have a whole lunchtime to go out once a week!

WinnersDinner · 15/01/2022 19:58

@noblegiraffe

I've never worked anywhere that doesn't have alcohol as an option for work drinks and boozy lunches on a Friday

You said.

Well, you really should have prefaced that with 'I haven't worked in very many places at all and accept that my workplaces do not represent the norm', shouldn't you?

I did indeed say that

It's weird you've read that statement and jumped to 'everyone does it'

Why should I preface it with anything? Just in case someone with the reading skills of a chickpea comes along and makes themselves look silly?

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 15/01/2022 20:01

Because the impression that you are attempting to give with that statement is clearly that it's normal, and by extension, that it's acceptable for government.

It's not normal, and certainly not acceptable for the government to be aping that culture.

OP posts:
Closebrackets · 15/01/2022 20:09

@noblegiraffe

Because the impression that you are attempting to give with that statement is clearly that it's normal, and by extension, that it's acceptable for government.

It's not normal, and certainly not acceptable for the government to be aping that culture.

But its not abnormal in high pressure jobs in the city, of course that's not the case for every workplace or across the country, but depending on where people have worked will depend on their experiences. Either way it doesn't make it acceptable for them to do it.
Original poster
noblegiraffe · 15/01/2022 20:14

But its not abnormal in high pressure jobs in the city

Many, many other high pressure jobs manage to survive without a constant infusion of alcohol.

If it's the location that's an issue, let's move Parliament to Birmingham.

OP posts:
Covidclaire · 15/01/2022 20:41

They’re not underpaid, as they knew exactly what they were signing up for.

That same comment could go for nurses.

WinnersDinner · 15/01/2022 20:44

@noblegiraffe

But its not abnormal in high pressure jobs in the city

Many, many other high pressure jobs manage to survive without a constant infusion of alcohol.

If it's the location that's an issue, let's move Parliament to Birmingham.

It's a constant infusion now

Christ alive

WinnersDinner · 15/01/2022 20:45

@noblegiraffe

Because the impression that you are attempting to give with that statement is clearly that it's normal, and by extension, that it's acceptable for government.

It's not normal, and certainly not acceptable for the government to be aping that culture.

Again, proving your deep struggle comprehending comments

You've read a comment saying X and interpreted it to meaning Y.

I've never said all workplaces do it, I've not stayed everyone working in London does it. That's what you've made up

Weird

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 15/01/2022 20:47

So you can't come up with any argument as to why it's acceptable for MPs to drink on the job other than 'that's what they do in the city'?

OP posts:
WinnersDinner · 15/01/2022 20:52

@noblegiraffe

So you can't come up with any argument as to why it's acceptable for MPs to drink on the job other than 'that's what they do in the city'?
This is your post

You can't come up with any reason why they shouldn't.

It's not uncommon, it's hardly something only Downing Street do.

Also many MPs will come from professional backgrounds, the pay isn't great considering the responsibilities and so why wouldn't they try and emulate a 'familiar' workplace culture?

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 15/01/2022 20:57

You can't come up with any reason why they shouldn't.

Isn't it bloody obvious? Alcohol impairs decision-making. They are running the country which involves making some pretty bloody important decisions. You get that, yes? The effects of alcohol are usually well-understood so I didn't realise you needed them spelling out.

As I said IN MY OP, if you're not safe to drive, you shouldn't be voting in new laws.

OP posts:
Peregrina · 15/01/2022 20:58

Those of you who think drinking on the job is OK because it's done in Central London - would you like to be operated on by a surgeon who wasn't sober, or catch a bus driven by a driver who was half-cut?

I quoted Dennis Skinner earlier - he was absolutely right in his stance of saying it was wrong.

WinnersDinner · 15/01/2022 21:01

@Peregrina

Those of you who think drinking on the job is OK because it's done in Central London - would you like to be operated on by a surgeon who wasn't sober, or catch a bus driven by a driver who was half-cut?

I quoted Dennis Skinner earlier - he was absolutely right in his stance of saying it was wrong.

Another utterly stupid comparison

Do you really not see the difference between operating on someone and working in a professional environment?

Do you need steady hands to be an MP? Also most don't get slaughtered at work.

MrsHamlet · 15/01/2022 21:03

Drinking at work is hardly professional though. Unless you're a wine taster.

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 15/01/2022 21:04

Do you need steady hands to be an MP?

Or a steady brain?

I mean, I know the current lot aren't the brightest, but at least give them a fighting chance.

OP posts:
Closebrackets · 15/01/2022 21:05

@Peregrina

Those of you who think drinking on the job is OK because it's done in Central London - would you like to be operated on by a surgeon who wasn't sober, or catch a bus driven by a driver who was half-cut?

I quoted Dennis Skinner earlier - he was absolutely right in his stance of saying it was wrong.

No one has said that have they? Simply pointing out it isn't that uncommon as some posters seem unable to grasp that fact!
Hercisback · 15/01/2022 21:06

Do you really not see the difference between operating on someone and working in a professional environment?

No working environment needs alcohol unless your jobs is to taste test alcohol.

No one should be drinking at work. Especially those with the responsibility for running the country.

I'm aghast anyone thinks it is acceptable.

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 15/01/2022 21:06

I don't give a shit how common it is in the city, it's unacceptable to be running the country and nipping out to the subsidised bar to get tanked up in between votes.

OP posts:
WinnersDinner · 15/01/2022 21:06

@MrsHamlet

Drinking at work is hardly professional though. Unless you're a wine taster.
Depends on the workplace

You might not deem it professional, however some workplaces clearly do since they provide alcohol.

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 15/01/2022 21:13

Taxpayers are not unreasonable to expect a certain level of service and standards from their public servants, and not being drunk on the job is a fairly basic standard.

OP posts:
Sherrystrull · 15/01/2022 21:15

MPs are supposed to be running the country. Responsible for everyone. I am open mouthed that anyone thinks it's ok for alcohol to play any part in their workplace.

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