EP.810: Ken Loach & Paul Laverty: The Idea Capitalism Can Be Regulated is RIDICULOUS!

On this episode of Going Underground, ahead of a UK General Election in December, we speak to BAFTA-award winning director Ken Loach and BAFTA-award winning writer Paul Laverty on their new film ‘Sorry We Missed You’, highlighting the struggles of a family living facing an uphill struggle since the 2008 financial crash in the neoliberal gig economy. They discuss the film, the illusion of choice in the free market and how it damages workers’ rights, the hardship of workers in gig economy jobs, the rise of Amazon and how companies like Amazon show capitalism can’t be regulated, the culture of shaming the poor and lauding entrepreneurs, the ignoring of corporate fraud and the continuous focus on welfare fraud, why the ideology of socialism still faces difficulty after the collapse of the Soviet Union and more!

STATEMENT FROM THE CIPD:

The CIPD: “Flexibility is a key part of modern work practices but it must work for workers and employers. The CIPD has conducted extensive research on modern working practices, taking into account both worker and employer opinions through surveys and direct conversations with workers, as well as drawing on official data. Our research has consistently found that atypical workers are generally satisfied with their jobs, and value the flexibility the role gives them. We also recognise that ‘one-sided flexibility’ is happening in some cases, putting workers at a disadvantage. In response, the CIPD has put forward a number of recommendations to Government to address this. We have also produced a guide to help organisations manage their atypical workforces responsibly so flexible working arrangements benefit both individuals and the organisation.

The guide is available at https://www.cipd.co.uk/Images/7904-atypical-working-guide-web_tcm18-61555.pdf ”.