Inflation

Clowance

arnoldy said:

Yes but they get "service increments" which are unheard of in the private sector, and on top of that overtime and shift premiums  that would often be expected in small private sector businesses. Add on that the fully index linked pension and excellent job security "

Actually many NHS workers do not get shift premiums or overtime as they work 9-5, many work part time (its good for that option) , the pension has been changed several times and is nowhere near as good as it once was and in any case, part time workers will not get much pension due to lower contributions or not working there their whole career for whatever reason. The increments you mention are about 3 or 4 increases up to a top level within your grade, supposedly a payment for experience. This has a maximum, so if not promoted to next grade then you are on that level for the rest of your career. Some jobs do not have much opportunity to progress. So while I understand that private sector employees are badly treated, its not necessarily a bed of roses in the NHS either.

blue.peter

A minor, but illustrative, point... My local Indian takeaway has just announced a price rise. In their blog and on Facebook, they say:

Please also note, the prices will soon fluctuate due to our suppliers increasing costs and to reflect the resources and service that we provide.

In practice "fluctuate" means "increase". And the increase is pretty hefty. By way of example, the vegetarian set mean for one was £12.50 this time last year. Then it went up to £13.50 a few months ago. From 6 April, it'll cost £14.95. That's nearly 20% up on last year. OK, I only have a takeaway once a month, and I can afford it. But it's something that's right in my face, and brings the current high rate of inflation home to me.

To be fair, that example is still decent value. For my £14.95, I get:

• a couple of vegetable samosas
• any vegetable main dish
• any rice
• any side dish
• a can of soft drink
• delivery to my home.
  

Nebulous2

blue.peter said:

A minor, but illustrative, point... My local Indian takeaway has just announced a price rise. In their blog and on Facebook, they say:

Please also note, the prices will soon fluctuate due to our suppliers increasing costs and to reflect the resources and service that we provide.

In practice "fluctuate" means "increase". And the increase is pretty hefty. By way of example, the vegetarian set mean for one was £12.50 this time last year. Then it went up to £13.50 a few months ago. From 6 April, it'll cost £14.95. That's nearly 20% up on last year. OK, I only have a takeaway once a month, and I can afford it. But it's something that's right in my face, and brings the current high rate of inflation home to me.

To be fair, that example is still decent value. For my £14.95, I get:

• a couple of vegetable samosas
• any vegetable main dish
• any rice
• any side dish
• a can of soft drink
• delivery to my home.
  

There are a couple of reasonable hotels near us, that are in competition for the local market. Their prices have soared. Pre-pandemic a lot of the main courses were sub- £10 with only things like steaks and fancier fish dishes substantially breaking that  barrier.  Now in the slightly cheaper one haddock and chips is £15.95.  A mixed grill is £21.95. 

They have hit a perfect storm. VAT going back up, labour shortages, fuel increases, ingredients gone up. 

There doesn't seem to be an issue with trade though, you still have to book to get in. 

CKhalvashi

Nebulous2 said:

blue.peter said:

A minor, but illustrative, point... My local Indian takeaway has just announced a price rise. In their blog and on Facebook, they say:

Please also note, the prices will soon fluctuate due to our suppliers increasing costs and to reflect the resources and service that we provide.

In practice "fluctuate" means "increase". And the increase is pretty hefty. By way of example, the vegetarian set mean for one was £12.50 this time last year. Then it went up to £13.50 a few months ago. From 6 April, it'll cost £14.95. That's nearly 20% up on last year. OK, I only have a takeaway once a month, and I can afford it. But it's something that's right in my face, and brings the current high rate of inflation home to me.

To be fair, that example is still decent value. For my £14.95, I get:

• a couple of vegetable samosas
• any vegetable main dish
• any rice
• any side dish
• a can of soft drink
• delivery to my home.
  

There are a couple of reasonable hotels near us, that are in competition for the local market. Their prices have soared. Pre-pandemic a lot of the main courses were sub- £10 with only things like steaks and fancier fish dishes substantially breaking that  barrier.  Now in the slightly cheaper one haddock and chips is £15.95.  A mixed grill is £21.95. 

They have hit a perfect storm. VAT going back up, labour shortages, fuel increases, ingredients gone up. 

There doesn't seem to be an issue with trade though, you still have to book to get in. 

Paid £21.50 plus tip for a huge fried breakfast, bacon and avocado wrap with salad and crisps and 2 hot chocolates on Saturday, can't really complain at that.

Not really comparable to the same place a few years ago as they have gone a lot more upmarket in terms of quality of their food, but my £9.50 breakfast (at 2pm) was about £8 a few years ago, so given the higher quality of their food not really an increase.

That said, I don't eat out much these days but a few coffee shops around here will set you back as much for 2 coffees with sandwiches these days, so it can be highly variable.