The statement by Prime Minister William Marlin that one guilder cent will be added to both a litre of gasoline or diesel fuel and per kilowatt hour of electricity for a fund to combat unemployment came as an increase of local fuel
prices was announced by his government and three days of power cuts hit the Dutch side. Talk about unfortunate timing!
When the idea first surfaced world oil prices were on the decline, but it appears that is pretty much over. Nobody knows to exactly what level they may rise again, but the new levy obviously won’t make the cost of living any lower.
Still, the idea of actively recruiting candidates ages 18-30 from the districts able and willing to receive job-training for one year without the company in question having to incur extra expenses seems like a winner. Important is to do a good pre-selection and ensure applicants have what it takes, including the right attitude, so the businesses involved also can meet expectations by keeping on many of them in the future if they do well.
Nobody really likes to pay more for anything, especially not when it regards what are considered basic necessities such as energy and fuel. However, if the programme helps get a large number of local youngsters off the streets and hopefully away from crime it certainly would benefit society.
Of course, the private sector can’t be told whom to hire, but even if a trainee doesn’t work out in the end he or she at least should learn something useful to assist him/her in finding employment elsewhere. The discipline of having to show up on time every day alone is likely to enhance their prospects.
The devil is always in the details, but for now the NA leader’s proposal deserves the benefit of the doubt. If successful in meeting its goals, the suggested programme probably could prove worth it.
