OPINION: The Ferret ... digs behind the headlines
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
Rufty-tufty government ministers are, of course, queuing up to ally themselves with the new machismo. David "Bruiser" Blunkett declares that boxing by young people is socially beneficial. Richard "Rocky" Caborn, sports minister, says he is very much in favour.
No doubt there are arguments on all sides. Fitness, training and discipline are good things for some young people. But the British Medical Association knows a lot about the effect of rattling the cerebral cortex with too much biffing and bopping.
What is really noticeable is the absence in government thinking of slippery slopes and thin ends of wedges. Well-run amateur boxing is very different from the barbarism and ear-biting of the professional heavyweight scene. But doesn't the regulated discipline of one lead some young people to the blood lust frenzy of the other? Apparently not. If you trust the view of punch-drunk cabinet heavyweights.
This week's planned strike by Connexions staff in Greater Merseyside is being billed as the first ever. At this historic time, it is important to avoid cheap and predictable jokes. No one will be jibing "how can you connect with young people if you can't connect with each other?" (except the Times Educational Supplement cartoonist).
Much better to offer practical advice. Luckily, this is easily available in a recent Connexions document on providing incentives. It is actually intended as a guide to encouraging young people's active involvement in Connexions. But its good sense extends to workers too.
Here are some samples. "Rewards (including cash) should always be considered to ensure young people feel valued, their contribution is appreciated and they are not being exploited." How true. It also points out, in a sudden burst of non-materialism, that a tangible reward is "unlikely to keep young people engaged in Connexions in the same way as having fun and feeling they have made a difference".
As a way to resolve the strike, this is irresistible. Management should make a contractual commitment to provide Connexions workers with more fun and a sense of having made a difference.