Happiness Index Ridiculed by Unions

Trade unions have rounded on government plans for a 'happiness' index. This week the prime minister announced that the Government would measure people's quality of life as well as economic growth. From April, the Office for National Statistics will seek to establish the key areas that matter most to people's wellbeing - such as health, levels of education, inequalities in income and the environment. Len McCluskey, Unite general secretary-elect, said: "The so called happiness index will just be another attempt by the coalition to pull the wool over people's eyes. No doubt Cameron will use the index to claim that despite rising unemployment, home repossessions, longer NHS waiting lists and unaffordable education, the people of this country are happier under Tory rule. The reality is a gathering gloom. "All the essential elements which make people happy and secure are fair game for the chop by this coalition government. People need a secure job, a healthy family, a good and affordable education and a roof over their heads. The coalition government's cuts are targeting these fundamental rights for millions of people."

Meanwhile TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber commented 'In reality this is little more than a gimmick. What we want is a government that is actually going to do something about improving our health and well-being by reducing inequality, injustice and poverty. Instead, under the current government, working people face growing job insecurity, rising prices, less protection in the workplace and far greater uncertainty.'