Public sector workers selling Queen’s medals (From The Argus)

they need money.

I don't blame them, they're skint.

Skint or greedy!

If I had the choice between a patronising lump of metal that was supposed to somehow "celebrate" the fact that a rich, pampered, talentless, privileged woman had inherited millions of pounds from a corrupt family business some 60 years ago or £120 to go towards my ever rising utility bills I would take the latter option every time.

If I had the choice between a patronising lump of metal that was supposed to somehow "celebrate" the fact that a rich, pampered, talentless, privileged woman had inherited millions of pounds from a corrupt family business some 60 years ago or £120 to go towards my ever rising utility bills I would take the latter option every time.

Almost half a million medals were produced so not really valuable and certainly wouldn't make me feel valued.
It's like the queens birthday honours and new year honours which are now given to any old Tom, dick or Harry for doing their day job.
Reward people for being exceptional.

If one is given a token of thanks, in whatever form, does it not then belong to that individual to do with it as he/she sees fit?

jamie-hove wrote:
If I had the choice between a patronising lump of metal that was supposed to somehow "celebrate" the fact that a rich, pampered, talentless, privileged woman had inherited millions of pounds from a corrupt family business some 60 years ago or £120 to go towards my ever rising utility bills I would take the latter option every time.

Like your style.

This item and the posts from the likes of jamie-hove say so much about what has happened to our society over the last 30 to 40 years.

Ive had a pay freeze for the last 2 years.

I can expect a further 2 years of a pay freeze.

My pension has been stripped to the bone.

I am expected to work for 10 years longer...(paying into a pension that gives me less).

Our service is being cut consistantly...the the point that people are now being killed or injured.

So....I will personally either be selling my medal, or going up to London (with some collegues) and trowing it over the gates at the Palace.....

Long live the Queen!!!! ha ha.

Yep agree. This myth that us public sector workers are rolling in cash and have these 'amazing' pensions is laughable. I am not a huge fan of the royals and the money would come in handy for many people. If a medal was given individually to someone for an exceptional job or bravery then it would be different, this is just to 'celebrate' someone who's had the life of luxury for over 60 years now. I don't blame anyone for selling their medals.

I spent eighteen and a half years in the public sector and therefore only qualified for one award at ten years service. And for those first ten years of dedicated service I was presented with a ball point pen. The pen was ok, but the point is that it had been donated to the health authority by the manufacturers.
So if the current recipients can make a bonus out of their award then good for them.

I say good luck to anyone selling these medals! If there are people out there who want to pay say £175.00 for a silver plated medal of which the metal content is worth no more than £1.75, then the buyers must be pretty dumb. Personally I would feel insulted if I were awarded such a worthless medal, after my years of dedicated service, and would be glad to sell it to get rid of the unwanted thing. It is high time that we got rid of the queen too and returned to the sanity of a republic. We need another Oliver Cromwell.

Saves having to bin the ruddy thing I suppose.

If I was a recipient of one of these useless bits of scrap metal I would return it and tell them to put it where the sun don't shine

Republicans are out in force today. I thought when I first read this story in the nationals a few days ago that it was a bit of a non-event. I doubt anyone who is selling them really needs the money but once the medals have been handed over, they can sell them if they wish. As it is, the medals are just curios. So many of them have been given that they are pretty meaningless.

Whilst public sector workers get a grotty piece of metal (which taxpayers are no doubt paying for since they are 'on behalf' of the queen), the biggest benefit scroungers in the UK get a £10m boat trip down the thames at our expense as well...

Nice to see we're still 'all in it together'...

Being a republican in the UK is about as effective as a chocolate fireguard really.

No republican me but I would through preference take about as much note of royalty as they do of me. Suits me fine ;)

Dont understand this story. There are medals being bought and sold all the time. WW1/WW2 Falklands etc etc...Whats the issue?

Ballroom Blitz wrote:

jamie-hove wrote:
If I had the choice between a patronising lump of metal that was supposed to somehow "celebrate" the fact that a rich, pampered, talentless, privileged woman had inherited millions of pounds from a corrupt family business some 60 years ago or £120 to go towards my ever rising utility bills I would take the latter option every time.

Like your style.

How right you are

emma barnes wrote:
Dont understand this story. There are medals being bought and sold all the time. WW1/WW2 Falklands etc etc...Whats the issue?

Nice advert for ebay though ... not that it needs it ;)

The real story is why anyone thought public sector workers were worth a medal in the first place. We private sector workers already pay through the nose for these people, and to contribute these medals out of the tax pot, generated exclusively by the private sector is a complete waste of cash. And before the public sector workers come on saying they pay taxes as well, remember, you pay taxes with recycled private sector cash. You don't generate any positive cash flow.

How on earth can it be justified giving out medals to public service workors is beyond me they don't earn it. It's the boys and girls of our armed services that should be given them and only them.

monkeymoo wrote:
Ive had a pay freeze for the last 2 years.

I can expect a further 2 years of a pay freeze.

My pension has been stripped to the bone.

I am expected to work for 10 years longer...(paying into a pension that gives me less).

Our service is being cut consistantly...the the point that people are now being killed or injured.

So....I will personally either be selling my medal, or going up to London (with some collegues) and trowing it over the gates at the Palace.....

Long live the Queen!!!! ha ha.

Whilst many in the private sector have had a pay cut, and currently make no pension contribution as money is tight.

Can your "stripped to the bone" pension be beaten by anything available to us in the private sector?
Apart from the level it will return, yours is not dependant on some fund manager not cocking it up and losing your money.
Yours will be paid out of the tax paid by our children and grandchildren.

Busterblister wrote:
The real story is why anyone thought public sector workers were worth a medal in the first place. We private sector workers already pay through the nose for these people, and to contribute these medals out of the tax pot, generated exclusively by the private sector is a complete waste of cash. And before the public sector workers come on saying they pay taxes as well, remember, you pay taxes with recycled private sector cash. You don't generate any positive cash flow.

I have paid more tax than you probably will in your lifetime. A 'public sector' surgeon and dedicated medical staff saved my life.
Your comment seems to show you as nothing more than a simpleton. I am sorry if you are genuinely stupid, but perhaps instead ask a grown up to read your posts before selecting the 'submit' button for you?
I very much doubt that Society needs your pennies one iota. Why not stick to your 'private sector' photocopying whilst better people try to generate revenue to pay for the meagre benefits of blissfully indignant, self-important spouters like yourself? Honestly, your comment befits a moron. No, really, genuine ignorance isn't funny or clever. Please read an improving book. In your case that probably means any book.

Busterblister wrote:
The real story is why anyone thought public sector workers were worth a medal in the first place. We private sector workers already pay through the nose for these people, and to contribute these medals out of the tax pot, generated exclusively by the private sector is a complete waste of cash. And before the public sector workers come on saying they pay taxes as well, remember, you pay taxes with recycled private sector cash. You don't generate any positive cash flow.

I quite agree. No one should get a medal just for carrying out their normal job description, in the public or private sectors. Only those who have operated beyond the call of duty at considerable risk or extra effort should be classed as a "hero" and eligible for a medal.

Maybe those who are selling them really don't give a fig about the Jubilee there is nothing illegal or immoral about that and I don't really see why there is any point in reporting it to be honest. Muck raking by the Argus again

Popped vanity implant wrote:

Busterblister wrote:
The real story is why anyone thought public sector workers were worth a medal in the first place. We private sector workers already pay through the nose for these people, and to contribute these medals out of the tax pot, generated exclusively by the private sector is a complete waste of cash. And before the public sector workers come on saying they pay taxes as well, remember, you pay taxes with recycled private sector cash. You don't generate any positive cash flow.

I have paid more tax than you probably will in your lifetime. A 'public sector' surgeon and dedicated medical staff saved my life.
Your comment seems to show you as nothing more than a simpleton. I am sorry if you are genuinely stupid, but perhaps instead ask a grown up to read your posts before selecting the 'submit' button for you?
I very much doubt that Society needs your pennies one iota. Why not stick to your 'private sector' photocopying whilst better people try to generate revenue to pay for the meagre benefits of blissfully indignant, self-important spouters like yourself? Honestly, your comment befits a moron. No, really, genuine ignorance isn't funny or clever. Please read an improving book. In your case that probably means any book.

Lol. Good effort. 4/10.

Popped vanity implant wrote:

Busterblister wrote:
The real story is why anyone thought public sector workers were worth a medal in the first place. We private sector workers already pay through the nose for these people, and to contribute these medals out of the tax pot, generated exclusively by the private sector is a complete waste of cash. And before the public sector workers come on saying they pay taxes as well, remember, you pay taxes with recycled private sector cash. You don't generate any positive cash flow.

I have paid more tax than you probably will in your lifetime. A 'public sector' surgeon and dedicated medical staff saved my life.
Your comment seems to show you as nothing more than a simpleton. I am sorry if you are genuinely stupid, but perhaps instead ask a grown up to read your posts before selecting the 'submit' button for you?
I very much doubt that Society needs your pennies one iota. Why not stick to your 'private sector' photocopying whilst better people try to generate revenue to pay for the meagre benefits of blissfully indignant, self-important spouters like yourself? Honestly, your comment befits a moron. No, really, genuine ignorance isn't funny or clever. Please read an improving book. In your case that probably means any book.

Actually, you're right, I probably am a moron. I have re-read your post and given it a bit of thought and decided to take you up the suggestion of an "improving book". Can you suggest one? I have Googled the internet and I can only find self-improvement books. Please can you tell me what "improving books" are so I can go and buy one? Do you write them by any chance? How do these books improve by the way? Are they like fine wine?

Busterblister wrote:

Popped vanity implant wrote:

Busterblister wrote: The real story is why anyone thought public sector workers were worth a medal in the first place. We private sector workers already pay through the nose for these people, and to contribute these medals out of the tax pot, generated exclusively by the private sector is a complete waste of cash. And before the public sector workers come on saying they pay taxes as well, remember, you pay taxes with recycled private sector cash. You don't generate any positive cash flow.

I have paid more tax than you probably will in your lifetime. A 'public sector' surgeon and dedicated medical staff saved my life. Your comment seems to show you as nothing more than a simpleton. I am sorry if you are genuinely stupid, but perhaps instead ask a grown up to read your posts before selecting the 'submit' button for you? I very much doubt that Society needs your pennies one iota. Why not stick to your 'private sector' photocopying whilst better people try to generate revenue to pay for the meagre benefits of blissfully indignant, self-important spouters like yourself? Honestly, your comment befits a moron. No, really, genuine ignorance isn't funny or clever. Please read an improving book. In your case that probably means any book.

Actually, you're right, I probably am a moron. I have re-read your post and given it a bit of thought and decided to take you up the suggestion of an "improving book". Can you suggest one? I have Googled the internet and I can only find self-improvement books. Please can you tell me what "improving books" are so I can go and buy one? Do you write them by any chance? How do these books improve by the way? Are they like fine wine?

Excellent, aim high, falter not, and go straight for 'The Hungry Caterpillar'...quite a leap from the Daily Mail though.

Popped vanity implant wrote:

Busterblister wrote:

Popped vanity implant wrote:

Busterblister wrote: The real story is why anyone thought public sector workers were worth a medal in the first place. We private sector workers already pay through the nose for these people, and to contribute these medals out of the tax pot, generated exclusively by the private sector is a complete waste of cash. And before the public sector workers come on saying they pay taxes as well, remember, you pay taxes with recycled private sector cash. You don't generate any positive cash flow.

I have paid more tax than you probably will in your lifetime. A 'public sector' surgeon and dedicated medical staff saved my life. Your comment seems to show you as nothing more than a simpleton. I am sorry if you are genuinely stupid, but perhaps instead ask a grown up to read your posts before selecting the 'submit' button for you? I very much doubt that Society needs your pennies one iota. Why not stick to your 'private sector' photocopying whilst better people try to generate revenue to pay for the meagre benefits of blissfully indignant, self-important spouters like yourself? Honestly, your comment befits a moron. No, really, genuine ignorance isn't funny or clever. Please read an improving book. In your case that probably means any book.

Actually, you're right, I probably am a moron. I have re-read your post and given it a bit of thought and decided to take you up the suggestion of an "improving book". Can you suggest one? I have Googled the internet and I can only find self-improvement books. Please can you tell me what "improving books" are so I can go and buy one? Do you write them by any chance? How do these books improve by the way? Are they like fine wine?

Excellent, aim high, falter not, and go straight for 'The Hungry Caterpillar'...quite a leap from the Daily Mail though.

Whoooooosh!!!

And now the government has forced the UK Border Agency to go on strike AGAIN!!

Busterblister wrote:
The real story is why anyone thought public sector workers were worth a medal in the first place. We private sector workers already pay through the nose for these people, and to contribute these medals out of the tax pot, generated exclusively by the private sector is a complete waste of cash. And before the public sector workers come on saying they pay taxes as well, remember, you pay taxes with recycled private sector cash. You don't generate any positive cash flow.

Like many in the private sector my company depends upon piblic sector contracts. So how does that work in your simple world? The job was once done in the public sector (for a lot less money!), so was it a drain on taxes then but a taxpayer now?

Perhaps you would like to explain how £300 billion plus of public money released by the public sector is proping up the private banking sector?

It would seem to me that who, how and why the tax system works is way way more complicated that public versus private.

I feel a reality check coming on....contrary to the myth already feeding itself in these comments, most public sector workers are not getting these medals. Read the article.

HJarrs wrote:

Busterblister wrote:
The real story is why anyone thought public sector workers were worth a medal in the first place. We private sector workers already pay through the nose for these people, and to contribute these medals out of the tax pot, generated exclusively by the private sector is a complete waste of cash. And before the public sector workers come on saying they pay taxes as well, remember, you pay taxes with recycled private sector cash. You don't generate any positive cash flow.

Like many in the private sector my company depends upon piblic sector contracts. So how does that work in your simple world? The job was once done in the public sector (for a lot less money!), so was it a drain on taxes then but a taxpayer now?

Perhaps you would like to explain how £300 billion plus of public money released by the public sector is proping up the private banking sector?

It would seem to me that who, how and why the tax system works is way way more complicated that public versus private.

Newspaper fora are hardly the place for detail. Every statement made has some caveats of course.

Some comments:

If your co. relies on public sector contracts, then look to gain other revenue streams. Why work on almost exclusively lengthy, tender led, price led contracts? It's just a race to the bottom. And if you're making lots of margin out of them, I object as a taxpayer that we're overpaying you. I hope you're doing open book pricing. :-0)

The banks should have been regulated by the last Labour govt., it was too busy spending money we didn't have on projects and public sector employees we didn't need, but when you're a poor Govt. you need to shore up your vote somehow. Unfortunately, the banks are too big to fail, like it or not. That's all there is to say on the matter, except that regulations and governance need to be put in place so it can't happen again. One thing I do notice about socialists. They villify bankers for the problems they apparently cause society, but when they run the country badly it's always someone else's fault. Socialists can't be trusted with the economy. The new govt.'s in France and Greece are just about to confirm this - again.

BTW, Lloyds and RBS have paid back their debts with interest.

Busterblister wrote:

HJarrs wrote:

Busterblister wrote:
The real story is why anyone thought public sector workers were worth a medal in the first place. We private sector workers already pay through the nose for these people, and to contribute these medals out of the tax pot, generated exclusively by the private sector is a complete waste of cash. And before the public sector workers come on saying they pay taxes as well, remember, you pay taxes with recycled private sector cash. You don't generate any positive cash flow.

Like many in the private sector my company depends upon piblic sector contracts. So how does that work in your simple world? The job was once done in the public sector (for a lot less money!), so was it a drain on taxes then but a taxpayer now?

Perhaps you would like to explain how £300 billion plus of public money released by the public sector is proping up the private banking sector?

It would seem to me that who, how and why the tax system works is way way more complicated that public versus private.

Newspaper fora are hardly the place for detail. Every statement made has some caveats of course.

Some comments:

If your co. relies on public sector contracts, then look to gain other revenue streams. Why work on almost exclusively lengthy, tender led, price led contracts? It's just a race to the bottom. And if you're making lots of margin out of them, I object as a taxpayer that we're overpaying you. I hope you're doing open book pricing. :-0)

The banks should have been regulated by the last Labour govt., it was too busy spending money we didn't have on projects and public sector employees we didn't need, but when you're a poor Govt. you need to shore up your vote somehow. Unfortunately, the banks are too big to fail, like it or not. That's all there is to say on the matter, except that regulations and governance need to be put in place so it can't happen again. One thing I do notice about socialists. They villify bankers for the problems they apparently cause society, but when they run the country badly it's always someone else's fault. Socialists can't be trusted with the economy. The new govt.'s in France and Greece are just about to confirm this - again.

When did a socialist party have a majority in Parliament? 1979 I would suggest.

Labour did spend too much, but it was only following the conventional economic wisdom of the time as all three major parties continue to do so. It was the downturn in tax revenue that undid them. What is a shame is that Alastair Darling seemed to be one of the best chancellors that we have had and had provided the stimulus for economic growth, which has now been undone.

However we should villify senior bankers and those at the top of the financial institutions, the supposed experts. They lobbied for deregulation and when they got it they trousered millions and continue to do so. Hardly any of those that contributed to our current mess paid with there jobs. Unlike millions of others.