Public Sector Pensions

Angry rant incoming not really what this site was for but as a public servant and a PCS workplace representative I feel it's necessary to personalise the issue by putting my own views into the public domain. 

I'm struggling to comprehend the current coalition governments logic on the public sector at present. They seem to be of the impression that the public sector is the best place to punish for the current economic state. Why? Is it our fault? NO.

Now they announce their intention (read as 'they will') to raise our pension age to 66, increase our monthly payments for no benefit and not to mention no payrise to soak this increase up. (none of this was unexpected, that's why June 30th is so important)

It's not lost on me that they plaster the statement "current economic climate" onto all of their statements attacking us, but both us and the public need to be clear about this. Most civil/public servants will not be retiring "in the current economic climate" additionally don't think for one second they'll improve the deal at a later date when the economy is.improved, when its gone, It's gone for ever.

Personally I hope to have another 30 years of gainful employment ahead of me. Why then should the current economy be used as a stick to punish me and others like me for a problem we did not create? 

We should all be clear that the banks were responsible for the economic collapse and our government seem intent to worsen the.situation, clearly Osbourne's efforts are so far regarded as the ConDem's coalitoons best attempt to cause a double dip recession. Don't take my word for it though... read the guardians article http://m.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jun/01/purchasing-managers-index-sparks-double-dip-warning?cat=business&type=article

Please support your unions on the 30th June, attend your picket lines and encourage your colleagues to Join their union and listen to our argument for 'the alternative' http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/campaigns/campaign-resources/there-is-an-alternative-the-case-against-cuts-in-public-spending.cfm

I assure you it is compelling and it is an excellent opportunity to exercise some tax justice. As one of the 500,000 people (it was more in my opinion) who marched for it on the 26th March I ask you to consider becoming active and standing up for yourself, your colleagues and other public servants! We aren't to blame and do not deserve to be punished for a problem we did not create.

All out on the 30th, stand together, stand united and shout it from the rooftops! No if's , no but's, No public sector cuts!

Good / Bad day

Good in that I managed 90x25m lengths in the pool today and 4ish miles on the mtb. Also in that I only had 1 and a half dairylea sandwiches for dinner with a bag of wotsits (hugely smaller than in recent months) wasn't hungry at all til after 11.30 so ate that lunch above earlier than normal to compensate.

Sadly it's after lunch when things got worse, I'm still reeling after devouring a vat of ice-cream, shepherds pie and madiera cake, not to mention a few slices of bread and butter... my will power seems to simply abondon me at times :(

Oh dear!

I'm making my inaugural post here sitting in utter disgust of myself.

I am a recovering fatty and by that I mean eagerly eating more than I have ever eaten within the last 2 years. The frustrating truth in my case is that no matter the eating plan I seen to self destruct any progress I make.

So in the hope of maintaining and inspiring some self motivation I'm blogging again.

Tipping the scales this week at 17st was a disturbing shock for me, it is the heaviest I have been for 2 years and although still 4st lighter than my heaviest it is too big for the current wardrobe so it needs to change.

I habitually change plans to fit my mood so all I will say is I'm working on calories and exercise, if I find any recipies I like I'll try to share them, otherwise it is intended as a record of my struggle to regain the. 11st body I once had.

Thanks for reading