Good times for the pop-shop

At a time when most of us are groaning under increasing costs and decreasing services, Uncle is doing nicely, thank you. A announcement from a firm called H&T Pawnbrokers is a tad smug about its virtuous work in helping people to ‘release value in unwanted assets.’ Its services expanded considerably in 2011 and it won the Investors In People Silver Award. The current year is looking so rosy pop-wise that H&T will be hiring 250 additional staff.

At last we get some glimpse of economic policy. The country is in hock and that’s just fine. No action needed – just dish out an occasional gong.