But it's not the new enlightened normality a lot of people were predicting, it's more the old restrictive normality that people wanted to change.
When we were all outside our houses on Thursday nights clapping for the health workers who were dealing with incredible pressures in an underfunded NHS, and we were aware of all the other frontline workers who were keeping society going - teachers, lorry drivers, supermarket staff, transport workers, postal workers, the emergency services - it looked like a big step forward.
A lot of us hoped that once the pandemic was over, those frontline workers would get the proper appreciation they deserved - big salary rises, special bonuses, better staffing levels, better working conditions. They would be seen as vital cogs in society and not invisible minions nobody cared about.
Some businesses did indeed compensate their employees generously, but most didn't and in fact if anything salaries and working conditions are now worse than they were pre-pandemic. Not only are wage levels still in many cases dismal but the rapidly rising cost of living is eating into them.
Most people are once again taking frontline workers for granted or even abusing them when they slip up. The politicians are setting the tone by refusing to reward them for their hard work and their high exposure to covid.
Health workers who always went the extra mile and did absurdly long shifts (and still do) are now taking out loans and using food banks in order to keep going.
The old normality is reasserting itself quite ruthlessly.
Inflation is out of control here, so any raises that were received during the pandemic have been negated. The other issue here is that people who have quit jobs still haven’t returned. I honestly have no idea what they are living off of. Every single business has Help Wanted signs.
ReplyDeleteBijoux: Like you, I really don't know how people who were already struggling to survive are managing to cope with the rising cost of living, especially the massive rise in fuel and electricity prices.
DeleteYou could simply replace Belfast with Pune and the story will be the same.
ReplyDeleteRamana: I somehow assumed it would be different in Pune. Evidently that's not the case.
DeleteThe rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It's all so depressing, it's the 21st century and some people have to choose to eat or keep warm, and our NHS staff are being treated appallingly, and the politicians don't care. What a disgraceful legacy for the current government.
ReplyDeletePolly: Indeed, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. I'm surprised there haven't been riots!
DeleteOr, the rich get richer and the poor help each other. I must look at this issue more closely. I understand wages are up, but so are costs, I know.
ReplyDeleteJoanne: The rich help each other as well - tax havens, tax avoidance, family trusts, legal loopholes, helpful accountants etc.
DeleteThat's the least of your worries, have you seen what the Russians want to do to Ireland and the UK?!
ReplyDeleteEverything is more ruthless in the new normal.
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Ms Scarlet: It's hard to know if Putin is serious, or if he's just putting the frighteners on. In case we're all obliterated overnight, cheerio, it was fun knowing you!
DeleteA very sad state of affairs for these dedicated health care workers who have worked so tirelessly.
ReplyDeleteLike Bijoux commented I do not understand people not returning to jobs and wonder too how they survive with Help Wanted signs everywhere here as well and reduced operating hours in many places too.
Beatrice: Yes, you would think people would be rushing to fill all those vacancies, but there are still chronic staff shortages in every line of business.
DeleteWe have more jobs than workers. Many jobs pay very poorly. These are unusual times. Getting older, I think a lot of things. I am not overly surprised that people don't appreciate those that make their life better.
ReplyDeleteAnn: People take an awful lot of things for granted, including their reliance on all the frontline workers I mentioned. It didn't take long for that temporary appreciation to disappear again.
DeleteLas Vegas opened back up and lifted the mask mandate a couple of months ago even though we still have around 100 new cases of Covid each day.
ReplyDeleteMary: I suppose that's okay if most of those infected only have very mild symptoms (or none at all) and don't need hospital treatment.
DeleteObscene profits made by some companies have been described. What does it take for some effort to make the living standard a bit more equal? Our news does describe unions are increasing ever so slightly, so I suppose that could make a difference in some instances. Covid is increasing in L.A. County though not so hospitalizations so far.
ReplyDeleteJoared: Union membership is rising in the UK too, along with industrial action and strikes. People are finally refusing to "suck it up" and are pushing back.
DeleteCatching up with you Nick, I feel inexplicably sad about your sister and the lack of closeness you mention. The weekly family Zoom I have with my siblings, initiated at the beginning of Covid has changed our relationships too a point I find hard to believe. I would have thought it impossible in Before Times. As to the poor service workers, it enrages me but many are revolting now so good for them.
ReplyDeleteXO
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www: I'm glad you and your siblings are getting closer through Zoom. I guess Zoom has been a godsend for family members who've drifted apart because it makes communication so easy.
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