Strikes: How can we avoid a return to the 1970s?
The 1970s saw high inflation driven by energy price shocks, leading to workers demanding higher wages. Sound familiar? How can the government deal with this 'winter of discontent'?
In the 1970s the UK was gripped by double-digit inflation driven by energy price shocks. Inflation was controlled by raising interest rates as a recession raged. And that prompted workers to demand higher wages. Sound familiar?
This week and next will see rail workers, ambulance staff, nurses, bus drivers, baggage handlers, highway workers, Border Force, driving examiners and the Royal Mail all striking on various days. As things stand, the prospects of a resolution don’t look promising. So are we heading back to the 70s and another "Winter of Discontent’?
Joining David Aaronovitch in The Briefing Room are:
Keith Laybourn, Professor of History at the University of Huddersfield
Alex Bryson, Professor of Quantitative Social Science at UCL's Social Research Institute
Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government
Chris Giles, Economics Editor at the Financial Times
Producers: Ben Carter and Kirsteen Knight
Editor: Simon Watts
Studio manager: Neil Churchill
Production co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed
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- Thu 15 Dec 2022 20:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
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The Briefing Room
David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.
