MPs' abused staff over expenses
Basically MPs do not like the new expenses system which was brought in after the level of abuse of the old system got too blatant to ignore. Several MPs reacted so badly to the new system that they became abusive to staff, in one case reducing a civil servant to tears. This story broke earlier this week, if you missed it the details are at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11085999.
I had several thoughts on this. I know no MP will ever read this journal but if any ever did the following four points are for them.
1) Every employer I have ever had required me to jump through certain hoops to get my expenses. Some were better designed than others, none of them provided me with a trainer to explain the system I was expected to read the manual and get on with it.
2) If you think the expenses system is complicated then perhaps you might like to try a tax return or benefits claim form. I would be shocked if the paperwork you are being asked for is harder than the paperwork the government asks us to complete.
3) Any organization should keep records of abusive behaviour towards its staff. The problem the Standards Agency has is it cannot get you sacked for being abusive or refuse to do business with you in future. Please understand that your position of privilege comes with a responsibility not to abuse it.
4) If you are really too stupid or lazy to cope with the expenses system perhaps you should quit politics and let someone better qualified run the country.
I had several thoughts on this. I know no MP will ever read this journal but if any ever did the following four points are for them.
1) Every employer I have ever had required me to jump through certain hoops to get my expenses. Some were better designed than others, none of them provided me with a trainer to explain the system I was expected to read the manual and get on with it.
2) If you think the expenses system is complicated then perhaps you might like to try a tax return or benefits claim form. I would be shocked if the paperwork you are being asked for is harder than the paperwork the government asks us to complete.
3) Any organization should keep records of abusive behaviour towards its staff. The problem the Standards Agency has is it cannot get you sacked for being abusive or refuse to do business with you in future. Please understand that your position of privilege comes with a responsibility not to abuse it.
4) If you are really too stupid or lazy to cope with the expenses system perhaps you should quit politics and let someone better qualified run the country.