I think things we already knew, or know what goes on, but on the other hand we also know people work hard for a pittance of a wage, and do struggle I feel sorry for.
Message posted by Jackie F on 07 November 2011 at 11:15pm - IP Logged
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Oaf, No its not worth watching (my opinion only). I dont wish to comment on the content of this programme except to say that my heart sank lower and lower as I watched it.
With all my love and heartfelt good wishes to the good, hardworking people of Greece, who have enriched my life.
Jackie
Message posted by windmill on 07 November 2011 at 11:39pm - IP Logged
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Having eventually found it between Location, Location and Come Dine with Me, it won't play. I can just imagine the seriousness and validity of this programme...(not) so, to keep my blood pressure low, I think I shall not bother.
Message posted by Viv D on 08 November 2011 at 7:55am - IP Logged
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On the other side of journalism. My Husband was listening to Radio 4 where John Humphreys author of Blue Skies and Black Olives spent all last week with Greek families in Athens and came across with what they are going through at the moment.
Viv
Message posted by suffolk-steve on 08 November 2011 at 8:01am - IP Logged
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It's a pity they never interviewed my friend, who has not been paid for nearly 2 weeks, because the bar where she works has no customers, and not taken money for her to get paid. Interview people like this next time perhaps.
Message posted by razaker on 08 November 2011 at 8:45am - IP Logged
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Just watched it after seeing this post, I think the reporter was very condesending, & for hard working Greek folk dont need this kind of reporting. To make as though every one has been on the take or fiddling there ex`s & tax is laughable too, the truth is the very people the Greek folk put there trust in have massively let them down & should stand accountable for, god we should know we have a shower in charge in England making the average worker pay for the fat cat bankers greed & mistakes. Oops didnt mean to get political.
Message posted by trisa on 08 November 2011 at 9:21am - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by razaker on 08 November 2011
Just watched it after seeing this post, I think the reporter was very condesending, & for hard working Greek folk dont need this kind of reporting. To make as though every one has been on the take or fiddling there ex`s & tax is laughable too, the truth is the very people the Greek folk put there trust in have massively let them down & should stand accountable for, god we should no we have a shower in charge in England making the average worker pay for the fat cat bankers greed & mistakes. Oops didnt mean to get political.
Too right! I am getting increasingly irritable about the way Greece and her people are being so totally humiliated. I am also fed up with people moaning about having to bail out 'the Greeks.'
A good point was made by Michael Portillo the other day..
<a rel="nofollow" href= "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FifUoVsA1sA">A very good point</a>
Trisa
Message posted by steevw on 08 November 2011 at 9:39am - IP Logged
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It was a ridiculous programme. Any valid points were passed over by the 'Daily Star' mentality of it. Just HOW many times did each person have to tell someone their 'Greek Week Tale'? Repetition is a strong persuasive tool but this presumed the viewers had no brain. What I most objected to was the insinuation that every Greek person was corrupt, handing out bribes left right and centre on a daily basis.
The only good thing was that the Surgeon and his wife gave their huge weekly "gain" to charity.
Rubbish, but then most telly is!
Jacquie
Message posted by trisa on 08 November 2011 at 10:23am - IP Logged
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I also watched it and yes it was far to 'tabloid' journalism in style which detracted from some of the more relevant points (which they also covered) as to why Greece has ended up in the position it now finds itself in
If you haven't seen the programme try and watch it, but filter out the 3 silly examples given and it does give a reasoned and logical explanation of the background to the current financial position.
How it will ever be resolved though, by the same politicians who actually created the problems, is something no one seems to have a real answer to.
Message posted by heathermac on 08 November 2011 at 11:32am - IP Logged
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Did not see the it on TV but just want to dispel a myth about Brits always paying tax.
People paying for services with cash to save the V.A.T.
Tax inspector paying cash to builder to save V.A.T.
Plumbing, electrical, etc suppliers full on a Saturday morning with tradesmen who work for a company weekdays and work for cash at the weekends from people like you.
Now because of the recession in the UK my friend who has kept his business going is priceing jobs against tradesmen all working for cash and he can't compete. Customers know these people are not registered but don't care they are getting the job done cheaper. I could go on!! So please tax evasion goes on in the UK big time by the normal working person not just big companies.
Message posted by kerkyra on 08 November 2011 at 11:41am - IP Logged
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What an absolutely absurd programme.
They tried their best to give us a view of why Greece is now in trouble and how corruption is widespread; they did this by having bits of the programme injected with experts from various learning institutions.
Sorry didn't work on us, but talking to people in the office this morning who are not totally up to date with the problems faced by the average Greek, they said that's why they are in trouble "everyone's" either tax invading or on the take.....and this is only a few people who watched the programme in my office.
Ok they did have some valid points but it was far more negative towards Greece and her people,maybe done so to make people say exactly the comments which have been talked about in my office this morning.
Andy.
Message posted by dangermouse on 08 November 2011 at 12:59pm - IP Logged
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So many here are saying the programme was rubbish and this thing doesn't happen in Greece. I watched it with a very good Greek friend of mine (who works 70+ hours a week in the summer for a minimum wage) and he kept smiling, laughing and agreeing with everything the programme said. Having lived in Greece myself for MANY years I can assure you that in my experience it certainly DOES happen. We both thought the programme was a very accurate portrayal of the Greek way of doing things. The politicians have 'bought' votes with promises that they knew they could never sustain and the Greek people swallowed it. Problem is that now Greece has joined 'the club' that the they have to fall in line with the rest of us and of course they don't like it. Why SHOULD they retire at 67, 14 years later and on less than half the money that they were promised ? There are many, many hard working Greek people who certainly don't deserve the situation that they find themselves in but there are many more greedy, self centred individuals that have lived by this 'easy ride' system and are now having to face the real world. Please understand that I am not calling the average hard working Greek family but the selfish minority that seem to have most of the power.
Message posted by lindybell on 08 November 2011 at 2:46pm - IP Logged
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I watched the programme, it's plain to see that it was totally balmming the Greek people for the tax evation, polititans make the rules and the euro zone should not have over looked how the Greeks live. If they did there job's properly then Greece wouldn't be in this state. Well I don't blame the people, and I love the Greeks, and would be lost without my Greek holiday's, we should help them.
We have far more corrupt politicians in this country to start with! Our pensions are totally rubbish compared to the ammount of tax's we all pay for, tax on wages, fuel, council tax, on clothes, booze, cigarets, I could go on... We are too taxed in this country. I am a single parent on tax credits, it's a bad system, wages should go up with inflation like they used to in the eightees, I hate having the tax credit top ups, maybe it will catch us up with our pensions. I'm worried about it... I'm not 60 untill 2027!...by then the pension age will have gone up for sure, what to? Who know's??
Message posted by Elliemay on 08 November 2011 at 2:51pm - IP Logged
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Lindy,
The UK pension age has already been changed from 60 for women and 65 for men. I am 56 and won't get my state pension until I am 66, that's if they don't move the goalposts yet again!
Message posted by lindybell on 08 November 2011 at 2:55pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by Elliemay on 08 November 2011
Lindy,
The UK pension age has already been changed from 60 for women and 65 for men. I am 56 and won't get my state pension until I am 66, that's if they don't move the goalposts yet again!
Watch this space Elliemay they may just move them again!!! At this rate I will still be working and travelling to work on my motorised scooter!!!
As for the programme!!! Well watched 5 minutes then turned it over, absolute codswallop and sensationalist tripe!
Message posted by SusieM on 08 November 2011 at 3:25pm - IP Logged
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I only watched the tail end of that program and it was AWFUL bordering on big brother and they were there to do one thing slagg off the Greeks. If it had been Panorama with Jeremy Vine then we would have had something to worry about but it was nowhere near in his league of reporting.
Message posted by mousey on 08 November 2011 at 3:54pm - IP Logged
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OK I'm 53 in a few years and my work is hazardous.
I want to retire on 90% of my current pay...who wouldnt eh?
I watched it and laughed. OK maybe the format was a bit pants. But lets think about the content for a moment.
We all love Greece for our own reasons and each have our own Greek friends. But
... at the risk of being shot at dawn; I think it was a factual program, and those of us who have lived in Greece probably related and agreed with more than one item of the reportage.
Anyone who has rented a house in Greece and has been asked to put half the actual rent on the contract and the lawyer agrees to it...
Can any of you tell me hand of heart that what they were saying is not true...?
On the other hand the Greeks could well produce a program on the benefit cheats in the UK and that would make the Greeks laugh at us!
Can anyone offer an plausible non-Euro related alternative as to why the Greek economy is in such a mess?
Message posted by janmanessi on 08 November 2011 at 4:11pm - IP Logged
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I am nearly 58 and I know I will not get my state pension until I am 7 days away from being 64. So yes I will be 63 years 11 months and 24 days of age.
I may throw a party on the 25th day
Viv
Message posted by panv on 08 November 2011 at 5:48pm - IP Logged
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Elliemay they have changed the rules, you will get your pension at 65 as long as your 65 before end of October 2020 unfortunately I am 65 in November 2020 so 66 for me
Message posted by Lavinia on 08 November 2011 at 5:56pm - IP Logged
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I just watched a bit of it on 4od. I am shocked and disappointed that Channel 4 could actually televise such drivel. I think it was malicious journalism bordering on slanderous and scurrilous.
Last night I watched "The Choir" on BBC2. What a different kind of programme. It was the first episode of Gareth forming a new choir drawn from the wives of soldiers on active service in Afghanistan based at Chivenor in North Devon. It was touching, very emotional and also uplifting.
I know which programme I shall be watching next week!
Message posted by Elliemay on 08 November 2011 at 5:58pm - IP Logged
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Hi Pan,
I beg to differ. Using the Directgov site State Pension Age calculator, it is definitely telling me I will be 66 years of age. I will be 65 in December 2019
Mousey and like others know things go on under hand, the little brown envelopes.. and the programme wasn't slating the average working class GREEK person just bringing to light what may and probably goes on.
At least in the Uk the fiddles are legal MP's can claim expences for duck houses, who wouldnt given the chance...if not caught?
Message posted by Dave and Kerry on 08 November 2011 at 6:08pm - IP Logged
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I have just watched it having recorded it last night, one thing that came to mind was what sort of pension was being paid to the people it mentioned prior to joining the euro in terms of money as per the 90% of wage does anyone know? The reason for asking is earlier this year we were in Turkey on our way to Ephesus and the guide told us that retired people there were currently getting 1,000Euro per month but in Turkish Lira and if they were to join the euro they would then get 2,000 euro per month!! Now then is this what happened in Greece? Because if that is the case it seems that there is biased reporting going on.
We all know that there is an element of truth within the programme as to what has and what still goes on in Greece, how many with land and or homes out there paid their money and despite the paperwork showing X euros know full well that the seller pocketed some of the cash in order to avoid tax!
So while there are many honest people in Greece there are also many who given the chance just like here in the UK would take the chance on avoiding paying tax!
Dave.
Message posted by panv on 08 November 2011 at 7:06pm - IP Logged
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Hi Pan,
I had already checked this out before April when I went to Corfu. This is already the current law (see below) but they state that this could change, aargh!!!. Am getting to the point that I feel that in ten years time when I reach the grand old age of 66 (all being well) that they will have probably moved the goalposts again. Beginning to wonder whether we will actually get a State Pension.
"The State Pension age calculator will tell you when you will reach State Pension age under the current law. However, the government is considering how the State Pension age should be changed in the future. This may mean the timetable for increases to 67 and 68 will be revised. The government will bring forward proposals in due course. Any change to the timetable would require the approval of Parliament"
Message posted by panv on 08 November 2011 at 7:16pm - IP Logged
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Its ok
They say use the calculator if you were born after 6 April 60.
This all changed last month read this page
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/SpendingReview/DG_192159
Message posted by Elliemay on 08 November 2011 at 7:21pm - IP Logged
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Hi,
Thanks for the link but it still shows me as getting State Pension at 66. It seems that if you were born after the 6th October 1954 then even with the proposed revision, you will still not get your State Pension until your 66th birthday.
Message posted by Lavinia on 08 November 2011 at 7:23pm - IP Logged
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Dave, my doctors' widow pension has been cut by nearly 30% and my (orthopaedic consultant) late Greek husband never asked for a fakalaki, nor have I ever cheated the tax system as it is not in my nature to be anything but honest.
I would like Channel 4 to come here to film actual Greek families living on the bread-line rather than manufacture scenarios such as the rubbish they televised last night.
It was interesting that no mention was made of government benefits which ordinary Greeks may claim when in difficulties (virtually non-existant).
Shame on you Channel 4.
Message posted by panv on 08 November 2011 at 7:23pm - IP Logged
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These changes will be tabled as an amendment to the Pensions Bill, currently passing through Parliament.
If this amendment is agreed by Parliament the State Pension age will not reach 66 until October 2020. The revised timetable is shown in the second table below.
Message posted by tully on 08 November 2011 at 9:43pm - IP Logged
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I won't receive my pension till I'm 67 as I've always worked, worked and worked, I was hoping to play, play and play before I shuffle of this mortal coil.
As for the programme "Go Greek for the Week" started to watch it, but soon turned over. Yes the system is corrupt, but the average Greek in the villages don't get to "play" the system and life is very hard for them.
Message posted by Elliemay on 08 November 2011 at 9:56pm - IP Logged
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Hi,
Totally off subject I know, but many years ago I planned my retirement income on getting my State Pension at 60, when I was due to retire from the Civil Service. It has only been in the last 5 years or so that they have moved the goalposts. How on earth do the Government expect us 50+ people to exist from 60 years of age to 66 years of age without the promised pension? Words fail me!!!
Message posted by Dave and Kerry on 08 November 2011 at 10:27pm - IP Logged
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Lavinia. I feel that the programme was aimed at those who have been cheating the system for years! The trouble is with TV programmes they tend to tar everyone with the same brush. We all know people on Corfu or in other parts of Greece who are honest and genuine and hard working but good news does not sell newspapers as they say and sadly it is the little people who take the hit on major taxes just as in the UK.
When major companies are allowed to dodge tax as has just happened in the UK and like the Greek shipping magnates people will rightly feel agrieved.
With regard to your pension did it change after Greece joined the Euro ie did it increase? Or did it stay at the same amount as before the Euro.
Message posted by Ray and Gisela on 08 November 2011 at 11:03pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by janmanessi on 09 November 2011
Maybe LESK will invite you to his luxury villa so you can watch it in comfort!
I haven't switched on the TV, satellite or Video since arriving. Why would you want to when you can sit outside and enjoy the views or better still get quality reading matter through your kindle (another 'luxury')
Part of wanting to leave the UK was to get away from the endless rubbish they call TV programming and reporting and I'm not in the least surprised that the TV programme didn't behave fairly or represent the 'real' Greeks but you can bet the UK-based TV couch potatos will look at it and think 'what a bunch of thieving baskets'.
If its any interest I participate in a UK business forum and the chat is very commonsense-based and pretty much sums up the situation as it is.. we are all more concerned with the politics of Germany/France than the pitifully small minded programmes you get on TV.
Frankly if you want to know whats going on in the world, the last place you should be looking is the English TV stations. (just an opinion [;D])
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