bridge too far

pump

would

piano

fish (honest)

smug

phone

Mine was an ironic second E

face

Give us an E Oh :oops:

see you there

Hammers up

:smt039 ..

and they've lost :shock:

disagreement

perennial

kiss me

Girlie that I am, it's names not form that drive my choice As a former auditor, I'm going for Comply or Die

box

bird

Looks like she won't get 'generous' rises in future: http://www.nursingtimes.net/whats-new-in-nursing/news-topics/nurse-pay/nurse-pay-rises-to-drop-below-1-warns-nhs-chief/5010705.article I didn't think midwives were that well paid in comparison to other graduates. Of course I don't know what level your wife is at - maybe she's a manager? I do know that my daughter, who is an IT Project Manager for an NGO (not the best payers in the world) has decided that, much as she'd love to, she just can't afford to re-train as a midwife because the salary she could expect would be so low - about £21K I think. Checking on the pay scales, I see that even a midwife manager only starts at £30K. If that's true, I certainly don't begrudge your wife her pay rise

That chap from Dragons Den (Duncan Bannantyne?) said putting up VAT would cost far more in terms of jobs lost. Both he and James Caan (sp?), another 'Dragon' said the NI hike wouldn't stop them employing people. Jobs lost = less tax take and more benefit payouts. So I doubt it would bring in £500m in real terms.

B flat

I don't have time for her either but it's silly to say she's thick. She went to Cambridge University - not the normal pattern for a 'thick' person. I think she and Portillo work very well together. Apparently they were at school together! But she is more Tory than Labour in my view.

chastity belt!

Lord Duckhunter - may I correct you on two counts. Firstly, your wife will contribute to her pension if she's a midwife employed by the NHS. New NHS employees no longer have the option of a FINAL salary scheme. Your wife might care to revisit this: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Pensions/Documents/Pensions/SD_Guide_online_(V4)_12.2009.pdf It sets out quite clearly what NHS pensioners can look forward to and what they pay for it.