Ms Macbeth

Me too. Well done to your daughter.

I wish someone had told the idiots that were on a busy train from Doncaster to Sheffield yesterday. A whole group of lads doing the macho loud posturing stuff, swigging lager. Not a mask between them. Signs stating masks must be worn with hefty fines for non compliance, but no enforcement. Not a pleasant journey, it was obvious that a lot of passengers were not comfortable. No-one even checked tickets, probably avoiding a confrontation. Who are these people who don't respect simple rules which are for everyone's benefit? It's the first time I've used the train in over a year. I won't be repeating the exercise soon.

Have you tried the public sector? Sheffield city council's job adverts state: 'We are committed to fairness and social justice and welcome applications from everyone. We value our diverse workforce and aim to work together to make the most of our differences. Under the Disability Confident Scheme, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.' I've worked for more than one council and other public sector bodies and I've always had colleagues with disabilities.

I would qualify that to- A measure of a successful society is that all people who can (not want to) work are in work. over 20,000 vacancies in the NHS for starters. 😮

I worked as a wages clerk in a Remploy factory in the 1960s. There were men working there who had been injured in the war, and people disabled by polio, by cerebral palsy, by epilepsy, just a few of the conditions. It was a good place to work. Electrical circuit boards were produced in our factory, as well as heavy fabric toolbags. Some factories produced furniture. Benefits were different then, but the employees were full time workers paid at similar rates to semi skilled workers in other factories. Nowadays, those workers would qualify for PIP or DLA, just like several colleagues I've had over the years. DLA and PIP are not affected by earnings.

You might be right, but I thought it was because it looks like a boat.

One earner bringing in over £50k is penalised, two earners in the household each earning £40k then the family becomes eligible for CB. Income tax is nearly always applied to the individual, whilst means tested benefits are based on household income. 🤔

Child benefit is no longer universal. If one parent earns over £50k their eligibility changes, and they may lose part of it. https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit-tax-charge/your-circumstances-change

My understanding of UBI is that the tax system would kick in so the wealthiest would see no increase in their income, the middling workers would probably retain a bit extra, the lowest paid would see the biggest benefit, ie it would be financially worth while to take temporary, part time and zero hours jobs, leading to fewer people being completely benefit dependent. Those who didn't work wouldn't be sanctioned, but their living standards would be basic, as now. There would have to be special allowances on top, enhanced for disability, for children etc. Simpler than the current system, and much less reliant on means testing.

The Metro Centre was built a few years before Meadowhall. We stopped there a couple of times on our regular journeys up the A1 to Scotland. I liked the idea, but I'm not a fan of the reality, I prefer being outdoors between shops. I might visit Meadowhall three or four times a year at most..

What did they get wrong that you expect to improve now there is NOC? So many people complain, but don't say why.

Sorry, I didn't know him. I worked mainly in Doncaster Service Department, from the late 70s, then Sheffield Engineering for a couple of years, then Rotherham (Transco) until the department closed in 1996, when I went to work for RMBC .

Worst job was in an insurance office when I was 18. I just didn't 'fit'. I went there soon after my dad died, and in hindsight it was a bad time to move jobs. Best job, some of the times I had in almost 20 years working in various admin roles for British Gas. What a great employer they were, nice colleagues, excellent on job training, and decent pay.

You'll be pleased to know the libraries are starting to reopen. Details here. They've been a lifesaver through lockdown, I've been ordering and collecting books from Hillsborough for months. http://shefflibraries.blogspot.com/p/live-library-status-tracker.html True, I also hope that the best decisions are made, not on party political lines. We'll see.

Spot on. Councils have some mandatory duties that have to be carried out, no choice on spending money on those services. I get my bins emptied, the libraries have provided an online order and collect service during lockdown, schools are up and running. I don't know what magic wand people expect an NOC council to wave, and whatever changes are made, we'll still hear the same uninformed negativity.

That would be the ideal, unfortunately people don't always vote for those who might do a good job, often its simply on party lines, for or against.

Agreed. I'm not surprised at the outcome, I think Bob Johnson has lost partly because of her reputation, but also because the Greens have been very active in Hillsborough. Choosing the new leader will be interesting given the numbers. 😐

Parents with a reasonable moral compass will take the responsibility for supporting children they have created. Sadly there will always be the others, and it then falls on the resident parent, not always but usually the mother, to ensure the children are housed, fed and clothed. I believe there should be some sort of sanctions. I think children need to be taught about personal responsibility in school, as it's obvious many aren't getting that message within their families. Encourage them to develop skills and confidence that will help them get into work, even if that work isn't what they might have been brought up to expect. Most pit villages don't have a pit these days! All the mills in my hometown were closed by the end of the 70s. The world of work has changed enormously in my (fairly long) lifetime. Encourage them to think about ensuring they can afford a home, with or without a partner, if they decide to have a child. There are fewer excuses for unwanted pregnancies than there ever were. I'd support free school meals for all children, but it would have to be balanced by higher taxes, another hit on higher earners who no longer qualify for child benefit.

I've worked in local authorities under committees and cabinet set ups, and the largest party ultimately has the say regardless. Committees works best, IMO, where there is no one party with a large majority. I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the recent change in leadership. (Apologies if I missed anything) We have had the 'Strong Leader' model, but without a strong leader! I have no affiliation to any party, I've rarely voted Labour, but in this ward, the Labour councillor up for election is the new leader Bob Johnson. I think the Greens will have made inroads into Labour's majority here, they have been very proactive. However, I am likely to vote Labour this time, because I believe we will see more real community engagement under his watch than there ever was under Ms Dore. I'm prepared to be proved wrong, but if people really want to see changes in their community and the wider city, then they need to be involved.

Seconded.

https://www.sheffieldcitytrust.org/memberships/fitness i've realised this just leads to a phone no. 😐

I've just seen this. So sorry to hear the news, sad for Medusa, Esme and other friends and family. I only met Mort a couple of times, but I respected her style as a Mod and Admin. RIP Mort

Good health, keeping active mentally and physically, and a positive attitude are all pluses for ageing well. In my 70s, I've missed seeing family and friends in lockdown, I've also missed fitness sessions in the pool, and my shifts in a charity shop. I kept busy in the better weather in the garden. I'm gobsmacked that older people's housing is often advertised for over 55s! That's only a few years older than my children, and by nowadays standards middle aged.

We normally go to family for Christmas, but like many on here we've decided to keep it simple this year, just the two of us. We all know that's what's happening, and our priorities are that everyone keeps safe and well if at all possible.

Any prizes I win buy more bonds. I'd love to hold the maximum, amd the only way that could happen would be to have a really big win! insisting on giving bank details is not something a lot of older people would be familiar or comfortable with. Many still draw out their pensions every week at the post office.