In amongst all the confusion and panic of the capitalist class, a handful of extreme right-wing economists have begun arguing for a return to the gold standard as a way of solving the economic crisis. The reality is that the contradictions of capitalism cannot be solved by measures taken within the capitalist system.

Over ten million people in Britain are now stuck in what is deemed to be precarious work: in the gig economy; on zero-hour contracts; and in temporary employment, under-employment, or bogus self-employment. As Steve Jones reports, a vast section of the UK workforce is now living on the poverty line.

The number of people struggling to make ends meet despite being employed is growing and growing. The Tory Party’s boasts about cutting unemployment are clearly misleading, John Russell explains, as an increasing number find themselves with falling real wages, zero-hour contracts, and in temporary employment.