Is Germany the model country?

[richard-af]

I prefer to live in the UK too. It is my home after all. I just want to get rid of this Labour government and get back to fiscal responsibility.

Yes. What we need is someone to get into a position of real power, via the office of Chancellor. Someone who will take this country forward into a new age. An age of glory that will last a thousand years. Gordo just needs a funny moustache, and we're there!

[Lucy]

I prefer to live in the UK too. It is my home after all. I just want to get rid of this Labour government and get back to fiscal responsibility.

Just like France.

[sasguru]

Yes. What we need is someone to get into a position of real power, via the office of Chancellor. Someone who will take this country forward into a new age. An age of glory that will last a thousand years. Gordo just needs a funny moustache, and we're there!

Vote for Causus Deli!

[Cassus Deli]

Vote for Causus Deli!

You called?

[sasguru]

Just like France.

Some of us have properties in both, m'dear.

[richard-af]

Some of us have properties in both, m'dear.

Which bit? And what's it like?

[Swiss Tony]

2p's worth

Just my 2p’s worth here. I’m with DA on the fact that here in the UK, (all other crap aside like debt etc) there are still jobs to be had. Yes the consumer market can be accredited to be doing well due to credit (mounting debt) but where does most of the money come from? not here I would say.

If people are daft enough to live beyond their means they will rack up bills, though if we look at spending patterns I would like to see where most of the debt is spent. (I have no factual basis for this, just something which would be worth exploring.) I would have thought that other stable industries are prevailing and going strong.

It seems that the UK is more skills based than manufacturing based and this has helped shaped the current climate and also helped us stay ahead. I’m sure we all remember when the industries went under and we lost out due to crap product and under trained work force. It’s a matter of time before someone else comes by that builds a better car and puts out another industry else where. (just an example pls no more threads on how good / crap a car is).

I studied and work with a number of French and German students / colleagues, and have found from them that once you’re in a job yes your set for life, but getting your foot in the door and getting that first job which you studied and trained for is beyond bloody hard. There just isn’t enough new industry to support the new skills coming through. At least here in the UK the market is adaptable enough to recognise good education and training and place individuals into decent jobs.

[sasguru]

Which bit? And what's it like?

Shhh. Don't have one in France yet.
But seriously , I am looking for a little cottage in Languedoc, outside Perpignan. Wonderful place.

[milanbenes]

Swiss Tony,

I haven't read such a load of unsubstantiated tripe in a long time, have you considered becoming a staff writer for the Sunday Sport ?

DA, if I were as rich as Mr Clarkson I too would agree living in the UK is bliss, however for lesser mortals, normal folk, you get more for your buck in other European states and that fact Monsieur you cannot dispute.

Milan.

[wendigo100]

I worked in Germany in the nineties, and at that time they seemed about 15 years behind us in terms of the way they worked.

I assume from this thread that they have caught up again.