Sir, – Nicholas Prins (July 31st) exposes the contradiction in Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton’s so-called “dash for jobs”. Her “reforms” will only increase unemployment.
However, he exaggerates the power of politicians, like Germany’s Schröder to reform labour markets and levels of employment. Germany’s high employment rate is due to its strong manufacturing base which results in a healthy trade surplus as well as an apprenticeship system which also involves the education sector. A solid industrial base also enables the unions to insist on a greater say in how companies are run through their representation on boards of directors. – Yours, etc,
PATRICK BRADY,
Ingleby Way,
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Chislehurst,
England.