Tuesday 28 May 2013

The pain of the corporate shilling

So there you are, a long history of working for the Government and a nice public sector pension all ready for you in due course. But what to do for the three or four years before the petunia's call? One can't really just be expected to sit around in a pre-retirement bout of poverty.

Not if your David Hartnett, when instead you can enroll yourself onto a fantastic jolly at the expense of Deloitte. A day a week contract for several tens of thousands of pounds must be the dream of many a man reaching that time in their life. A little work to keep oneself occupied and able to converse at social events that one still has a role and part to play in life. On the other hand, not too much to do given the advancing nature of the years and desire to spend time out of the office.

The reward for this, a full shellacking in the national newspapers, virtually called a traitor by backbench Labour MP's. Comes with the territory sure, but probably worth it for the money.

I had some sympathy with even Margaret Hodge for saying the Big 4 Accountants have the HMRC and Government well measured up. Indeed they do, no doubt they encouraged the complexity of the tax code as it suits them to bill their own clients too. Plus most of the tax workers at the Big 4 have worked originally for the Government and left for better money in the Private Sector.

However, so what? This is bound to happen as I don't want the Government paying excessive salaries to HMRC staff. All the Government needs to do is remember not to listen to them when they come back with their corporate sponsors and agendas - this though seems to be the bit the Government finds hard to do. it should not be really, caveat emptor, beware of greeks bearing gifts - none of this is new is it?

In the meantime, have fun at Deloitte Mr. Hartnett, after all its not at taxpayers expense!

9 comments:

Hayek was right said...

'High quality global journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut & paste the article. See our Ts&Cs and Copyright Policy for more detail. Email ftsales.support@ft.com to buy additional rights. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c940829e-c71f-11e2-a861-00144feab7de.html#ixzz2UZoYaGoP

Deloitte said: “Dave Hartnett will work as a consultant to Deloitte advising foreign governments and tax administrations, primarily in the developing world. He has significant experience in advising such countries on the development of effective tax regimes, necessary to ensure their continued economic growth. He will not work with UK companies or with HMRC.”'

If so not much to see here. Though facts have never stood in the way of shameless Hodge trying to build her reputation by trashing others.

Hodge Dodge said...

I have only a tiny tiny tiny multimillion pound shareholding.

dearieme said...

I've recently seen an analysis of the "compensation" of US federal govt civil servants. It concluded that people at the bottom of the ladder made more than they would have done in the private sector, people high up the ladder less.

Is that the position here, too, do you think?

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Graeme said...

It has to be a lot better than being forced to attend the PAC with grandstanding idiots such as Hodge attempting to make a fool of you with full connivance from the BBC and Graun and Muphry and UKunhinged etc.........

CityUnslicker said...

dearime - Agree, the more senior you are the wrose you do I would imagine. CEO's in the private sector get a lot more than £150k, whereas in the pubilc sector that is high. Junior staff on the other hand do really well as they get a good £10k more than they would privately - even private school teachers pay is worse for example!

Hayek - Quite, he won't be conflicted but that does not stop politico's wading in, just as they have done on this tax thingy for months now.

Graeme - he may yet get called back now becuase of this!!

Agence communication said...

""" However, so what? This is bound to happen as I don't want the Government paying excessive salaries to HMRC staff. All the Government needs to do is remember not to listen to them when they come back with their corporate sponsors and agendas - this though seems to be the bit the Government finds hard to do. it should not be really, caveat emptor, beware of greeks bearing gifts - none of this is new is it?""