A little common sense
Ok, so I have just spent a very pleasant week in Cannes, struggling
with excesses of Champagne and an abundance of corporate and private
hospitality. Having spent most of that time in the company of fellow
die-hard Brits, I have not quite forgotten that the French ignore our
best efforts at their silly language and are very good at telling us
how poor we are at being Europeans.
Before I strain the entente cordiale too much, let me add that they do
have a point about our European credentials, but not for the reasons
you might think. In common with the approach of many other good
Europeans, the French are French first and Europeans next. They
interpret EU regulations, rather than slavishly adhere to them. Civil
Service take note.
Now there is clear merit in a strong Europe and none at all in trying
to escape the advantages of the geographical and cultural links that
bind us to our continental cousins. But let's put a stop to this rabid
antipathy to all things EU, and take a common sense approach before
our resistance creates even greater heavy-handed interventions.
Taking a few examples: Temporary staff is the life-blood of many
companies. How often have you discovered a gem working as a temp? Look
after them and they can breathe fresh vigour into a situation. Good
staff is hard enough to find and having the chance to test somebody in
the real heat of battle should be welcomed. Good terms of employment
after a short qualifying time in post make good sense.
Days off are a constant problem for UK plc. Perversely, we seem to
resent the days that are public holidays, but our continental friends
relish their more numerous breaks. Evidence from recent research shows
that consequently they are less stressed and happier as a result.
Happy staff, more profit.....
Disability access regulations are coming strongly into force and not
before time. Of course somebody pays. But taking a very selfish view,
it makes common sense to give 100% of our customer's access to our
premises rather than just 97%. Similarly, with skilled staff in short
supply, easier access offers better value for the investment of
recruiting staff.
I will not explore the differences in attitude to European Structural
funding. And so on....
No, I have not had a Road to Damascus conversion, but rather seen some
of the benefits of finding what we have in common with these
"interfering foreigners". Let's hope that the Government will start to
take a similar view by seeking a common sense interpretation of these
regulations on behalf of UK plc. Or does that remark lack common
sense?
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