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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think there are still positive signs in the economy?

225 replies

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 09:31

There is plenty of money out there still.

Now let me add the caveat that I know there are people that are struggling, but I think there are reasons to be positive about the economy and country.

The shops are busy, the coffee shops are busy, the restaurant's are busy, and there is money being spent.

We fancied an impromptu roast out on Sunday, and I had to call 5 pubs before I could get a reservation.

I still think we are a few more years away to see the property market where it once was, but I do think there are signs to be hopeful.

OP posts:
HarryKanesRightFoot · 21/05/2026 15:50

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 15:44

I have said multiple times I am sure it is not true of all areas.

I don’t think so.

You acknowledge once on here - in your OP - that some people might be struggling.

Otherwise, you don’t mention that at all. You just focus on your point of view, ignoring any opposite viewpoints by saying it’s your experience/anecdotal/you’ll stop engaging with anything who thinks differently/asking everyone to just celebrate the places that have done well economically.

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 15:51

HarryKanesRightFoot · 21/05/2026 15:50

I don’t think so.

You acknowledge once on here - in your OP - that some people might be struggling.

Otherwise, you don’t mention that at all. You just focus on your point of view, ignoring any opposite viewpoints by saying it’s your experience/anecdotal/you’ll stop engaging with anything who thinks differently/asking everyone to just celebrate the places that have done well economically.

Of course I acknowledge not all areas are doing well, I just wanted to bring some positive news amongst all the doom and gloom.

OP posts:
HarryKanesRightFoot · 21/05/2026 15:56

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 15:43

But you are looking at from one side.

If the shows, shops, hotels are full of "rich people" that is creating catering, cleaning, security, hospitality jobs - and the people working those are likely to need the money.

You are also looking at it from one side!

I’d like to convince you the argument for my side is more valid because there is plenty of evidence - which, sadly, goes back several years - to back up that the economy is really suffering.

And I also can’t see any hospitality jobs being created. Didn’t you read @Upstartled’s post from 09:37 about 100k+ expected hospitality job losses and expected job cuts and closures? Oh wait.. you did. And you said it shocked you. Do you not think that weakens your argument?

cricketnut77 · 21/05/2026 15:56

I’m bored of telling you that all the parties are lying to you.

Because if they told you the truth they wouldn’t be elected.

Britain is nearly bankrupt and politicians have no idea where this ‘mythical’ growth to cover obscene spending will come from
Because they can’t! There isn’t any.

The working-age population is shrinking, the number of people claiming benefits is rising, and the public sector, funded by the private sector, is ballooning.

AI is on track to replace huge amounts of white-collar jobs in the next 10–15 years. All of these people will be jobless and needing to claim benefits. Which we won’t be able to afford to pay!

The guff about “net zero” and “green jobs” is bollocks (technical term) Those jobs only exist during the construction phase, after that, these are largely automated industries.

As for those shouting about Universal Basic Income er … from where? How would it be funded? You’re dreaming.

And those saying we can just tax the corporations, they’re dreaming too. They’ll just operate from outside the UK.

And to control you … as you demand pay rises and more benefits? Well a near total clampdown of speech and thought through legislation and censorship and those Digital IDs, “just so you behave yourself.”

There really is little growth, even trades will be hit because the population won’t have the money to buy their services.

We’re are in a badly managed decline, with grossly under qualified and incapable leadership in any party at all.

HarryKanesRightFoot · 21/05/2026 15:58

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 15:51

Of course I acknowledge not all areas are doing well, I just wanted to bring some positive news amongst all the doom and gloom.

You posted pretty much the same thing at 11:35 and 13:45…. but is it backed up by any substance? Nope. Lol.

BIossomtoes · 21/05/2026 15:58

We took our car in for service on Tuesday. The dealership is being completely refurbished, that’s not a sign of a faltering economy.

Nottopanic · 21/05/2026 16:03

I’m in London. My adult DD was made redundant last year - charity sector that lost its funding. My other adult DD ( legal sector) was made redundant this week - not enough funds available. DH was self employed (media) but all work dried up last year. I, along with many colleagues, am about to be made redundant- AI has taken over our jobs with remarkable speed, and our clients want mass cost-cutting. The situation is dire and the job forecasts are awful. I’m unlikely to ever find another job, and DH won’t either.

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 16:03

HarryKanesRightFoot · 21/05/2026 15:56

You are also looking at it from one side!

I’d like to convince you the argument for my side is more valid because there is plenty of evidence - which, sadly, goes back several years - to back up that the economy is really suffering.

And I also can’t see any hospitality jobs being created. Didn’t you read @Upstartled’s post from 09:37 about 100k+ expected hospitality job losses and expected job cuts and closures? Oh wait.. you did. And you said it shocked you. Do you not think that weakens your argument?

I am sure the argument for your side is more valid.

But that doesn't stop me spreading a little good news.

OP posts:
coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 16:04

HarryKanesRightFoot · 21/05/2026 15:58

You posted pretty much the same thing at 11:35 and 13:45…. but is it backed up by any substance? Nope. Lol.

Again I have said my evidence is anecdotal.

OP posts:
coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 16:04

BIossomtoes · 21/05/2026 15:58

We took our car in for service on Tuesday. The dealership is being completely refurbished, that’s not a sign of a faltering economy.

Quite.

OP posts:
Snorlaxo · 21/05/2026 16:05

Coffee shops here (Home Counties) are only busy at the weekends. People don’t have the money for eating out, businesses are struggling with utility costs and tax changes and hospitality is definitely suffering. War in the Middle East is going to continue fuelling (sorry!) higher prices. The queues for restaurants even at weekends don’t happen lol they used to.
.

HarryKanesRightFoot · 21/05/2026 16:13

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 16:03

I am sure the argument for your side is more valid.

But that doesn't stop me spreading a little good news.

Sigh… again, what good news? That you’re rich and can spend lots of money on hotel stays during 2 BH weekends in one month?

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 16:16

HarryKanesRightFoot · 21/05/2026 16:13

Sigh… again, what good news? That you’re rich and can spend lots of money on hotel stays during 2 BH weekends in one month?

I feel like I am repeating myself.

Rich area or not people spending money is good news.

In fact it's usually the best news for minimum wage workers who need the money the most.

OP posts:
cricketnut77 · 21/05/2026 16:18

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 16:04

Quite.

So one car dealership being done up means all is fine ?! I despair at the lack of perspective

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 16:19

cricketnut77 · 21/05/2026 16:18

So one car dealership being done up means all is fine ?! I despair at the lack of perspective

Of course it doesn't mean that, not everything has to be such extremes.

OP posts:
stargirl1701 · 21/05/2026 16:19

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 21/05/2026 09:37

Where do you live? Restaurants aren’t busy here. They are occasionally busy. Plus making money by running one is unbelievably hard.

We have low productivity. Particularly in the public sector. Other businesses are struggling and closing and some are doing well, eg oil companies and supermarkets. Many others find the tax on employment and overhead costs are preventing any growth at all.

If you think house prices mean everything, think again.

Productivity has been higher in the last year than any of the previous seven years.

Myoldbear · 21/05/2026 16:23

Yes, it's good to share positive news.

My contribution is not about pubs and restaurants.

It's that our local NHS hospital is soon to open a new research hub, providing access to state of the art treatments.

HarryKanesRightFoot · 21/05/2026 16:23

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 16:16

I feel like I am repeating myself.

Rich area or not people spending money is good news.

In fact it's usually the best news for minimum wage workers who need the money the most.

Yes, you are repeating yourself.

Those minimum wage workers you mention do need the money the most. But are there jobs for them? No. Because those jobs are being lost. As per @Upstartled’s post from this morning, which you apparently read.

The mind boggles….

HarryKanesRightFoot · 21/05/2026 16:23

Myoldbear · 21/05/2026 16:23

Yes, it's good to share positive news.

My contribution is not about pubs and restaurants.

It's that our local NHS hospital is soon to open a new research hub, providing access to state of the art treatments.

That’s lovely, @Myoldbear

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 16:25

HarryKanesRightFoot · 21/05/2026 16:23

Yes, you are repeating yourself.

Those minimum wage workers you mention do need the money the most. But are there jobs for them? No. Because those jobs are being lost. As per @Upstartled’s post from this morning, which you apparently read.

The mind boggles….

It does, because you aren't listening.

I am in agreement with you, I have not disputed the fact, or the links sent. I have no disputed that some areas of the country are suffering.

But with all that in mind, when an area or areas are doing well - surely we can say that's great news.

It doesn't mean everywhere is great, it doesn't mean there aren't major issues, but surely we can be happy for small wins.

OP posts:
HarryKanesRightFoot · 21/05/2026 16:28

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 16:25

It does, because you aren't listening.

I am in agreement with you, I have not disputed the fact, or the links sent. I have no disputed that some areas of the country are suffering.

But with all that in mind, when an area or areas are doing well - surely we can say that's great news.

It doesn't mean everywhere is great, it doesn't mean there aren't major issues, but surely we can be happy for small wins.

It’s too small and insignificant to be happy about. It’s like being happy you got a free coffee when you’re unemployed. It’s nice but not helpful.

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 16:29

HarryKanesRightFoot · 21/05/2026 16:28

It’s too small and insignificant to be happy about. It’s like being happy you got a free coffee when you’re unemployed. It’s nice but not helpful.

I do get your point, but its probably not insignificant for the people it is creating jobs for.

OP posts:
Dunnocantthinkofone · 21/05/2026 16:29

I am sure the argument for your side is more valid.
But that doesn't stop me spreading a little good news.
Unsubstantiated bullshit you mean?

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 16:30

Dunnocantthinkofone · 21/05/2026 16:29

I am sure the argument for your side is more valid.
But that doesn't stop me spreading a little good news.
Unsubstantiated bullshit you mean?

I mean it's not BS.

OP posts:
Boomer55 · 21/05/2026 16:30

coulditbeme2323 · 21/05/2026 09:31

There is plenty of money out there still.

Now let me add the caveat that I know there are people that are struggling, but I think there are reasons to be positive about the economy and country.

The shops are busy, the coffee shops are busy, the restaurant's are busy, and there is money being spent.

We fancied an impromptu roast out on Sunday, and I had to call 5 pubs before I could get a reservation.

I still think we are a few more years away to see the property market where it once was, but I do think there are signs to be hopeful.

If you live near Windsor, you live in an affluent area. As do I - pubs and restaurants are rammed. But not everywhere is like that. 🤷‍♀️