New Statesman Scotland
It has long been a commonplace that nobody over 50 could win a job at interview up against thrustful 30-somethings and even energetic 20-somethings. The brain cells have not expired at 55, nor even at 65, but a strange ethic guides personnel managers that operates as a subtle but unyielding filter to those with even a few grey hairs.
Henry McLeish, the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning in the Scotland Office, has discussed a bold idea with the Trade and Industry Secretary, Stephen Byers. Howz about cutting the National Insurance obligations if you take on someone over 50, he asks? National Insurance is no more than a tax on employment. Relieve the tax and the case for employing those over 50 suddenly appeals to the self-interest of those making appointments.
The Scottish Executive has no powers to achieve any such reform unilaterally, but both ministers have asked their teams to examine the possibility of an experiment in absolving employers from the punishing costs of National Insurance.
This seems to be one of those ideas that will not fly, but it is encouraging that ministers see the over-50s as subject to an irrational prejudice in favour of youth and that pricing may be the solution. McLeish and Byers are both in their 40s. They will start to crumble soon.
One of the new chestnuts about the ways the Tories in Scotland can revive their fortunes is to offer tax relief for loft conversions and conservatories. This would give them eco-credentials under the guise of offering accommodation for every grannie. All the party would have to do to register its new stance is change its name - The Scottish Conservatory & Unionist Party.
It is the nature of jokes to evolve into reality. Andrew Steel, a cool-headed Harvard MBA, has taken over Penicuik Windows, one of the leading conservatory makers. Where does he see his main market? The prosperous middle-class suburbs? No, Steel is hoping to create an entirely new niche. As Scotland's council estates leave municipal control, Penicuik is hoping to offer high specification conservatories to redeem and enhance hundreds of thousands of council houses. Steel has streamlined his cost base and production line. He says volume sales will mean slashed prices.
What a paradox. Just as the Labour Party abandons council houses as a failed dream, the Harvard mind may transform them into something desirable.
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