Grocery shopping with young in tow must be a headache for many low and middle income families. Halloween merchandise is jostling for space alongside bonfire night and Christmas items for sale.
I recall last year that a Christmas saving scheme went bust and wonder how people will cope this year. My union Unite has analysed the impact of a two year pay freeze, inflation and other cost of living increases on the income of a teaching assistant. I was shocked to see the result - a real term cut of £1,806 over two years.
Compare this with the research published last week by Incomes Data Services that showed top bosses are awarding themselves about 50 per cent extra pay and bonuses irrespective of performance.
Is it that tough at the top? I don’t think so.
All this makes the backsliding of the hierarchy at St Paul's Cathedral disappointing to say the least. I admire the canon who resigned rather than back an eviction.
The scene of a protest against corporate greed, this beautiful church survived the blitz and I dare say it can survive a peaceful protest.
It is ironic that income from visitors to St Paul's seems to be exercising minds rather than the essence of what the protest gives voice to - a grossly unfair economic system that squeezes the poor while the rich get richer.
In the words of liberation theologian, Gustavo Gutierrez: “Real Christian love is founded on commitment to a more just society and action to bring it about.”
I wonder if this year St Paul's Christmas nativity will have a corporate sponsor.
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