tree surgeons are 'too old to go up trees'

[john paget]

I get you now mate, and I agree.
 
The problem is the government pension scheme is completely outdated.
You were meant to retire at 65, live for 5 more years, then die.

Our state pension is shocking, compared to the rest of Europe it’s a pittance, I’d happily pay a bit more tax now in exchange for 20 odd grand when I retire at 65.

[john paget]

Or I could blow my N.I contributions on fast living and hope for the best?[emoji848]

[benedmonds]

5 minutes ago, john paget said:

 I’d happily pay a bit more tax now in exchange for 20 odd grand when I retire at 65.

 

Isn't that is what a private pension does..?

[john paget]

Isn't that is what a private pension does..?

Until some hedge fund gambles it away, yeah. We are so far behind in this country it’s unreal.

[Mark Bolam]

Private pension is the only way forward really, like it or not.

At least you’re young enough to get going with one Patrick.

[Mark J]

6 hours ago, WirralBoy said:

A BBC News item :-

Urgent solutions are being sought to a council's ageing workforce after warnings that its tree surgeons are "too old to go up trees".

A report for Gateshead Council showed 29% (1,494) of its employees are aged 55 to 64.

Only 12% (614) of workers are aged 25 to 34 and the authority is now advertising apprenticeships to try to recruit more young people.

A mere 5% (242) of the authority's staff are aged between 16 and 24 . 

The report to the overview and scrutiny committee illustrated a shortage of younger workers the departments of environment and fleet, property and assets, and integrated social care. 

Blaydon councillor Steve Ronchetti told the committee: "If you look at the tree surgeons, they are too old to go up trees now and consequently the council has to bring in contractors to do the tree work, just when they are at their most expensive.

"The other thing is, looking at the age profile you're going to see over the next 10 years a massive pressure on the pension scheme."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed the current situation presented "challenges for the council in relation to succession planning to ensure that services have staff with the right skills and experience to deliver an effective service".

The environment and fleet department has introduced an arborist apprenticeship.

Dunston and Teams councillor Dot Burnett told the committee: "We have got to identify what the issues are around recruiting people and if it's because of pay or conditions we have got to look at it.

"If we are going to look at the age profile, we need to have a look at the whole situation as far as employment is concerned."

Four social worker apprentices have been created and recruitment is ongoing for three adult social care employees.

An urban driver apprenticeship is being offered to 12 employees in the highways and waste services department.

Officers are also looking at five-year plans to ensure adequate numbers of apprentices for the construction arm of the council.

 

BBC LINKY :-

 

Gateshead's tree surgeons are 'too old to go up trees'

WWW.BBC.CO.UK

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Gateshead Council is paying contractors to work on its trees because of its ageing workforce.

 

Council bloke should just but a fleet of MEWPS for his aging arbs. What would likely happen though is they'd buy them, then sell them off, then rehire them from the person they sold them .

 

Edited April 6, 2022 by Mark J