uncategorised

Paying tradesmen ‘morally repugnant’ says Treasury Minister

Finance News: Treasury Minister David Gauke has said it is ‘morally repugnant’ to pay tradesmen anything apart from compliments and Monopoly money.

He argued the practice came at ‘a big cost’ to the Treasury as tradespeople can then use the cash they earn to buy things like bread, shoes, or provide somewhere for their families to live.

“I’ve never paid a tradesman anything other than compliments” said Gauke. “Or valuable advice on how to dress and speak properly. Sometimes, if I feel they’ve done a very good job, I’ll give them a cup of tea – although obviously I expense the cost of the teabags, milk and electricity.”

“Just the other day I had a plumber come to fix my boiler. Once he completed the job he tried to give me an invoice for his work, but I just gave him a firm handshake and told him I’d recommend him to my friends.”

“The feeling of a job well done is worth far more than any potentially untaxable cash fee.”

Gauke then went on to criticise the ‘reprehensible behaviour’ of vending machines that only accept cash.

Story: SImon Swatman