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Pay gap 'growing quickest in UK'
The pay gap between the highest and lowest earners in the UK has grown more quickly than in any other high-income country since 1975, a report has said.
The pay gap between the UK's highest and lowest earners is growing more quickly than in other rich nations, a study has said
The pay gap between the highest and lowest earners in the UK has grown more quickly than in any other high-income country since 1975, a report has said.
Research by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found the sharp increase in income inequality, which began in 2005, leaves Britain well above the group's average.
The study - Divided We Stand: Why Inequality Keeps Rising - published by the forum of 34 countries that earn the most, said the annual average income of the top 10% was almost £55,000 in 2008, nearly 12 times higher than that of the bottom 10%, who earned an average of £4,700. This is up from a ratio of 8 to 1 in 1985, the OECD said.
Data showed the money earned by the country's top 1% of earners doubled from 7.1% of the total UK income in 1970 to 14.3% in 2005.
Just prior to the global recession, the top 0.1% of top earners accounted for 5% of total pre-tax income. At the same time, the top marginal income tax rate saw a marked decline, dropping from 60% in the 1980s to 40% in the 2000s, before its recent increase to 50%.
The OECD said: "Work is the most promising way of tackling inequality. The biggest challenge is creating more and better jobs that offer good career prospects and a real chance to people to escape poverty."
It said investing in "human capital" is vital. "This must begin from early childhood and be sustained through compulsory education," it concluded.
A Government spokesman said: "The OECD recognises that the causes of inequality are complex. As we have seen, just putting billions of pounds into the tax and benefit system cannot alleviate poverty on its own and has the perverse effect of trapping thousands of families in a life on benefits.
"Our wide-ranging reforms will have a dramatic impact on the poorest families, improving the life chances of children at an early age and lifting almost a million people out of poverty through the Universal Credit."
Rail Maritime and Transport union leader Bob Crow said: "Far from all being in it together, the rich are getting richer while working families are taking the biggest hit on their standards of living since wartime rationing. This Government continues to pedal the lie that we are all sharing the pain while the boardrooms are awash with cash and those whose rampant greed created the crisis are laughing all the way to the bank."
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21Comments
06/12/2011 08:13
06/12/2011 10:07
I am also fed up with my workload increasing as staff are not replaced and apparently no money for an increase in pay which hasn't happed for 3yrs now.....BUT the Bosses are getting BONUS? for what FAILURE. It's time the working class in this country stood up and said ENOUGH. These people are getting wealthier off the sweat of our brows. REVOLUTION!!!!!!
06/12/2011 08:55
Typical governmental crap, all they ever do is look after their own, you watch people who are ill and disabled get punished by this government, because it will pay for the country to get back on its feet. Why are the ill and the poorest in the country paying for the rich's mistakes?
The government health reforms have already failed, all they have managed to do is make people kill themselves, although the government probably call that a monetary victory. Free euthanasia arranged by ATOS. Does Clarkson own any shares in ATOS?
Welcome to England the new third world country.
06/12/2011 09:00
What we need is a revolution - no government EVER listens or gives a fk, the rich will just keep on getting richer off the backs of the poor, until there is one.
WHO NEEDS A CONSPIRACY WHEN IDIOTS WILL GO ALONG WITH THEIR OWN SLAVERY AND CALL IT CAPITALISM? EVER NOTICED HOW EVERYONE WHO DOES A JOB IS SUBSERVIENT TO OTHERS - TAKE AWAY ALL THE BULL AND REASONS FOR SUBSERVIENCE AND WHAT YOU HAVE, ARE SLAVES!!!
WHO NEEDS A CONSPIRACY WHEN IDIOTS WILL GO ALONG WITH THEIR OWN SLAVERY AND CALL IT CAPITALISM? EVER NOTICED HOW EVERYONE WHO DOES A JOB IS SUBSERVIENT TO OTHERS - TAKE AWAY ALL THE BULL AND REASONS FOR SUBSERVIENCE AND WHAT YOU HAVE, ARE SLAVES!!!
06/12/2011 11:00
Several of the comments on here are quite disturbing as it is quite obvious to anyone with an IQ of above 40 that this is the beginning of a third world for the West the answer is revolution, remove these so called governments that cant help their own but seemingly have money when it comes to invading a foreign country (usually if they just happen to have oil). Yes that is the UK and the new fascist superstate that is the USA, preaching of democracy when there is none, just further barked dismay at the poor for being poor, and lets think about fiscal policy, to save the banks in the UK our "government" borrows trillions off the banks to give to the banks so we can borrow more? Your childrens children will be paying this for the benefit of politicians and bankers....and now we are borrowing more to give more to the banks? Who had this bright idea? Yes thats right the fascist morons that somehow get into power and put you and your children into debt for 2 maybe 3 generations and at the same time killing anyone that dares to not want the "American Way". Did anyone vote for this? I know i didnt
06/12/2011 10:49
Its no good moaning about the goverment now!
I was a miner during their last reign Thatcher did exactly the same to the country
So what do you do
vote them in again !! classic
p.s chris x
This used to work but jobs dont last long enough to get up the ladder now, or some spotty faced oik comes straight out of uni into the top jobs
I think your still living in the 70s mate
06/12/2011 11:59
06/12/2011 11:56
What amazes me is how people keep on letting this blatant corruption just keep on going. Is the who population of this country in some sort of comatose state of sleep or what???
Chris X - People want everything for nothing these days but the world doesn't work that way thankfully! We need rich and poor people in our society but the choice over what you become, rich or poor, is always yours to make. Make the right decision people.
What a disgusting comment - the rich seem to get everything for nothing, so it works very well for them and there is absolutely nothing to be thankful about that!!. Since when did we need poor people???? - for you seem to forget, the poor include OAP's, children, disabled, mentally handicapped, poorly educated and many many more. NO ONE IS BEING ALLOWED TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS FOR THEMSELVES because selfish people like YOU, just want some slave to clean your toilet for less than the minimum wage!
06/12/2011 12:29
06/12/2011 13:02
Revolution and General Strike is what I've been saying for the past 4 years - until recently I was regarded as a loony (I'm not).
I have come to the conclusion that they are too many sheeple in the UK, even now (rather like Chris) so what about one measure of civil disobedience?
When you get paid, take your money straight out of the bank and keep in cash. Only keep in the bank any standing orders for bills etc. Take all the rest out and keep it somewhere safe in your house.
This has worked well in Italy, Greece and Holland where people have been taking their money out of the banks, and are now being offered a much higher rate of interest to get it back in there. Lets play the banks at their own game.
By the way, this is very relevant now. Last year in Holland, just before the bank bonues were announced, masses of people took their money out of the banks in protest. The result - banks had to forego their bonuses.
See - people power works. My partner and I trawl foreign news on the net - most of this is never reported in Britain - anything against establishment anywhere is not allowed to be known.
My daughter is working in South Korea. She tells me they are opening the country to foreign goods, having had a strict protectionism in place. The many small farmers will be the main victims of this. (Another greedy government who are about to mess up what the people have built). One MP got so upset he teargassed their parliament! Most people were on his side.
This is not just our problem, although we were one of the first, and the worst, to give everything into the hands of the banks.
Any other ideas for civil disobedience? Another of my pet ones is not to pay any increases on utility bills. Just keep paying what it was a year ago and let the rest build up. You know, we have people power now with the internet. Lets use it.
06/12/2011 12:04
What planet r u on Chris?????
I am dslexic and worked hard at school to be where I am. My school wouldn,t let me do Engalish cse or math?? because I was so called slow.
I took a 12000 pay cut just to keep the job I have.
Witch I point out I've had this job for 20yrs... +
I now do two other jobs just to pay my bills and live witch is really taking a toll on my life.
So befor you start with the crap of work hard at school.
Think of others who do work but get paid a pittence for doing so.
I don,t claim a bloody penny from this goverment but pay my dues.
So THINK you little person !!!!!
06/12/2011 14:09
Well I'm 51 now worked since I left school in 76, seen governments come and go red and blue it makes no difference. This country has had a democratic dictatorship since before i was born. Westminster or the the town hall, they all have their snouts in the swill bin. As the old saying goes the good Lord helps them best who always profess to help others. Iv'e never heard of a poor politician. If somebody does can they post it one here I could do with a good laugh lol. Yes I hate to say it myself but it's about time the armed forces of this country took the initiative and took control if only for awhile. Clean up the corruption form the top down, reinstate the death penalty for murder, life in prison to mean life, with hard labour. Put a blanket ban on immigration for a generation at least, Bring in Shari'a law for those who want to be tried by it, they would soon wish they hadn't. Well that will do for a start.
06/12/2011 12:48
Chris
You must be a Thatcher's generation - There is no such thing as Society.
Without investment, if you lose a job, it is very hard to start something for yourself. It is not called the Poverty Trap for nothing.
Lets look at this country's record. The highest and fastest growing inequality in the world. Lets take pensions. Around £500.00 for pensioners here. In Italy and Greece they got around £1,100 and £1,400. In boom time Germany £700.
This obviously contributed to the mess Greece and Italy are in. Blatant vote buying by Burlusconi et al with EU money. But we all contribute so shouldn't the pensions be equalled out by Europe? We get so little, I'm afraid our governments hold the old in contempt. And a private pension in hardly secure, is it?
So, Italy and Greece have lost their democracies with hardly a murmur from anyone, even most journalists who are obviously in league with the establishment.
The EU is planning its last move in selling us totally into the hands of the banks. If Cameron negotiates anything, he will protect the Banks and the mainly British tax havens, which are ruining economies everywhere. He will certainly reduce our working rights and pay very willingly, as every British government has done in the last 30 years.
In the meantime, the banks are playing the markets to their advantage, of course. We are already owned by the banks, thanks in large part to Thatcher, Blair and Cameron. Now the banks are controlling the governments of all Europe.
Your own scenario is at the mercy of much bigger forces. I hope you continue to survive but spare a few thoughts for the many who won't.
Sometimes, try to look at the bigger picture. Enjoy the new Dickensian feudalism. It will be brutal - oh, apart from the 1% who will be rolling in it.
06/12/2011 14:37
When you get paid, take your money straight out of the bank and keep in cash. Only keep in the bank any standing orders for bills etc. Take all the rest out and keep it somewhere safe in your house.
@ Angela - Ive been saying this for ages - maybe some peeps have too much to stuff under the bed!! Revolution can be in many forms and no need for a guillotine in Trafalgar Square as such!!!
This has worked well in Italy, Greece and Holland where people have been taking their money out of the banks, and are now being offered a much higher rate of interest to get it back in there. Lets play the banks at their own game.
I agree - let the banks play with fresh air - see if they like it, and the drop in their OT greedy bonuses for failure AND actual severe damage to our economy!!! Then make sure they are totally reformed before entering their doors again.
06/12/2011 16:57
Our kid. Maybe you should go back to school.
You wouldn't be typing away on your computer if it weren't for capitalism! Do you own a TV? A Car? a Designer Coat? All products of capitalism, which is not evil as you say it is as one definition would suggest private ownership of the means of production, or creation of goods or services for profit. Have you ever bought anything from a private company? They are mini capitalists. It ensures that people can have a better standard of life.
The planet utopia which yopu live on may do things differently, but in the real world, capitalism is the philosophy by which we operate. Here's a fact, Hitler hated Capitalism, hated the idea of what we have today in society, foresaw that Jewish capitalism would lead to banks failing as they have, saw that capitalism would kill morality, are you also an advocate of those sentiments?
How would you like to live? Explain the philosophy you think Britain, nay the world, should live by to ensure that everyone is equal, there is no rich or poor yet we still have a modern civilisation?
06/12/2011 16:36
06/12/2011 16:28
A Capitalist society needs poor people. You need rich and poor. The world isn't a fluffy place where everyone is equal and everyone can be "rich" otherwise what is the point of capitalism, you need to get a grip on reality.
OMG - Chris x really believes this BS!!!!! He is obviously not poor, except in mind and morals!!!
The point of capitalism = evil - its for the rich by the rich - they suck on the poor like vampires. God help us all - people like Chris x thinks this is just and right and anything else is just a fluffy place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
06/12/2011 16:04
Paul. No offence meant by this but if you have been at work for 20 years you are at least 40 + i would say. Which makes us similar. In my school days I was found to be asthmatic and deaf in one ear, the navy rejected me on this basis and i was devastated, just like your dyslexia my conditions hindered what I wanted to do in life so i had to find something else, there were no concessions for people like me and you back then, i had dyslexic friends that wanted careers in journalism i recall...how when you can't write properly? There was no violin for us back then, life was hard and you had to accept who and what you were and find your place in society, i could be flying helicopters now because today there is tech to help overcome these ilnesses and equally there is anti discrimination law to say it matters not if i have no arms or legs, i should still be allowed to fly a helicopter and the navy must make it accessible for me to do so. Life aint like that.
06/12/2011 15:56
the rich seem to get everything for nothing, so it works very well for them and there is absolutely nothing to be thankful about that!!.
There are various levels of rich. A dissertations worth! A man on £40k a year with no dependants is rich for me, a man on £40k a year with a wife and 2 kids less so.
Since when did we need poor people???? - for you seem to forget, the poor include OAP's, children, disabled, mentally handicapped, poorly educated and many many more.
A Capitalist society needs poor people. You need rich and poor. The world isn't a fluffy place where everyone is equal and everyone can be "rich" otherwise what is the point of capitalism, you need to get a grip on reality.
NO ONE IS BEING ALLOWED TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS FOR THEMSELVES
Calm down dear, it's just a messageboard! In any case we all have free will and make our own decisions for the most part but i also agree in part, I wasn't educated at Oxford hence I will never be prime minister, that is a fact i must face, as much as I want to be PM for example or believe I can do the job I won't get it because of all sorts of nasty isms...like class, like discrimination based on my accent, or that i went to a public school etc...that is life.
I am dslexic and worked hard at school to be where I am
Good for you.
You must be a Thatcher's generation - There is no such thing as Society
There is a society it's just changed. It's one where you don't need to have any of the old values or ethics of pre multicultural/PC Britain. It's a fractured society where one man believes that which another hates and all that remains is the £note to chase!
At the end of the day it's not illegal to make money, and it's not a requisite that you feel all emotional and sorry for poor people, that in the end are part of the system. If you want another answer that's nice to digest then speak to a philosophy graduate.
06/12/2011 10:54
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