Sir, – In response to Dr Kevin T Ryan (February 10th), I feel that Joe Humphreys was spot on, and I would add that reining in transnationals, for example, would only be a short-term solution.
In my view, the bigger picture is that the developed countries want for nothing and we have reached saturation point. Our material needs are being met. Further inevitable automation will put people out of work, and we persist in hoping that something new will somehow give rise to full employment.
Full employment is gone; it is a thing of the past. As far as I can see, the only “growth” areas for future jobs is in the social areas, eg caring, community projects, job-sharing, shorter working weeks. We need to start sharing out work, for example.
Such a policy might lead to claims that the ambitious will be stifled, for instance. However, one idea I have is that everybody be given a basic number of hours, and those who wish to work more can seek more. – Yours, etc,
GERARD COUNIHAN,
Rockmanor Drive,
Kilcoole,
Wicklow.