To think few lives have improved due to Labour’s policies

[Sandysandytoes]

I knew they wouldn’t benefit me - but I thought they might help some people.

Train drivers have more money but other than that I’m struggling. I’ve lost my job as a direct result of their policies, it would be nice to find some positives.

YABU = my life had improved as a result of Labour’s policies.

YANBU = it hasn’t improved or has got worse

Basic economics? Yes Labour are doing wonderfully on that score aren't they. Negotiation isn't really their strong point either. Then again spend spend spend doesn't really have much care for that skill. Resident doctors are rubbing their hands that they are planning more strikes. What a great negotiator Streeting is with those basic economical skills 😆 🤣

Do you intend to address anything I said?

My life hasn’t changed except I now get taxed a bit more, as does DH. We don’t get benefits so that doesn’t help. We haven’t benefited from the promised free breakfast clubs, I’m starting to think that will never happen.

I will judge labour when it’s the next election. Really tough things have to happen to keep the economy stable, never mind get back to a good place. The last 15 years we are living on more and more debt and it’s unsustainable. Think labour need to be given a proper chance to sort things, which lots of people just don’t want to do.

Reform councillors are finding that fixing the problems isn’t all that easy, despite their rhetoric.

I don’t agree with your take. I think Labour lack business insight and have been somewhat blindsided by the youth unemployment figures.

The numbered bits are facts, not my take.

So are the unemployment figures. You can see the impact of Labour’s policies. It’s concerning for young people.

I think you'd have to demonstrate the causal link.

Or, to use your terminology, 'I don't agree with your take'.

Your last line wasn’t worth the typing but sure look at the economists on the jobs tax and generally what taxing something does.

I believe I did.

Life is worse for many many people. Don't delude yourself.

The most recently published youth unemployment figures show that the UK is an outlier in Europe with the highest youth unemployment.

The increase in employer NICs and minimum wage are two specific changes that will impact employers hiring young people. The NICs change was especially pernicious since not only did the rate increase but the threshold was lowered which brought many part time earners into the mix.

This - the vast proportion of young people don't need to 'live on' a wage. Most are still living at home and would rather have some part time work at less than NWM rather than no work at all. IME many young people, at least those with a work ethic, are far more pragmatic and would rather work, gain some experience (and hopefully skills) rather than do nothing.
If an employer is also providing training or work experience that will ultimately benefit the person receiving it, and bolster their CV, irrespective of whether or not they are receiving NWM. If an 18 year old can see and appreciate that, why does this hapless Government insist on pricing them out of the market

https://www.itv.com/news/2026-02-18/labour-could-u-turn-on-promise-to-boost-youth-minimum-wage-chancellor-suggests

Hopefully they'll postpone it for a few years until another government can throw it out. Stupid rule.

Absolutely re. regular employment. It makes it so much harder or even impossible for people with disabilities or caring responsibilities to actually work. Because of the idea that you must be available 24/7 (but only offered a shift or two). Impossible to plan childcare, appointments, have any kind of social life. Not knowing if you'll earn enough. Shifts cancelled or changed last minute. It also completely messes with mental health/stress levels, tipping more people over the edge.

I'm a bit confused about your commets re. minimum wage.
In 1999 min wage for that age group was set at £3.60. Not £10. Far short of what they thought was acceptable.
Taking into account inflation, it's actually proportionately better now (although not sure if we include housing costs!)

But I am surprised at the rate. In the mid 00s I earned about £5 an hour, worked 36 hours a week, after tax pay was £160/165 a week. I lived independently of my parents, rented a room, and was saving £35/40 a week. I did budget hard, but also went out drinking once a week amd smoked (roll ups)! It wasn't the most expensive area to rent but certainly not the cheapest. (Friend renting in smart London suburb paid about £100 for a room in an HMO compared to my £60 a week.)
What I'm saying is, it was perfectly possibly to live on less than whatever the recommended minimum was at that age. Perhaps the money I saved, someone else would have used to pay for driving lessons/run a car, or something else. But it was possible. And it is possible now. Providing you actually get full time hours not messed around as you mention!