Last week you ran an article on how retailers, restaurants and takeaways cannot attract staff.

I wonder why?

Is it perhaps the mean wages they are so proud of (£4.75 or less) are not enough to survive on in rip-off Britain, and people have to rely on benefits?

That brings up another point. Why should we (the tax payer) subsidise these mean employers because they will not pay a decent wage?

Burger King, a giant multi-national concern, boasts it pays "well above the minimum wage." The staff are on their feet most of the day, they take the abuse and all for the massive sum of £4.75 per hour.

The company makes billions yet does not value its front line staff.

What madness!

The average order from one customer probably pays two hours' wages of the person that serves them. How do you think the staff feel when they serve dozens an hour? Undervalued would be an apt word.

The same applies to all other businesses in this country that will not pay a proper rate of pay so that employees can look after their families and pay their way without relying on the state.

So come off it all you employers who can't recruit staff. Pay a proper wage for the 21st century and you will get your staff.

No one wants to rely on benefits to top up their wages.

We pay enough for your products and/or services, without our taxes propping up your meanness.

R D STYLES

West Swindon