Has Jeremy Corbyn lost his marbles?

[boatbuilder]

Jeremy Corbyn has pledged a £10 minimum wage for under-18's from 2020 (should Labour get into No.10, that is).

BBC News

How ridiculous is that?

Then perhaps he will also consider raising the State Pension to a minimum for all of £250 (or more) a week? Of course not, as the money to fund that would have to come out of the government's coffers. However, the money to fund his idea would be from businesses who would then have to pass on the extra cost to the consumer in price rises and the state pension would be worth even less than it is now.

[kerch]

When I was 18 I was Lucky if I earned that in a Week ,how times have changed .

[boatbuilder]

I can imagine, kerch. You also have to put it into perspective with today's values. When I was 16 in 1963 my hourly rate in my first job was about 11p in today's money which, according to an inflation calculator, is the equivalent of about £2.23 today (about half of what the current minimum wage for 16-18 year olds is in the UK). I worked a forty-hour week for £4.7s.6d plus some overtime on top. At least it gave me some insight into the true value of money which I doubt paying many 16 year-olds £10 an hour today, would. I can imagine what a lot of it would go on, at least with some, and it certainly wouldn't be anything to benefit them.

[Mel]

I don't think Jeremy Corbyn has lost his marbles; he has just never grown up and just spouts 'student' politics.

[Dave]

When I started work we were living in London and I was paid £7.00 a week. When we moved to Harlow in Essex all my friends told me as Harlow was in the country I wouldn't earn as much. To my surprise I was given £9.00 a week and couldn't believe my luck.