WP, sorry I think I worded my post poorly. What I was trying to articulate, was that from my perspective, those who wield the real power in the UK and probably decide how well the country does, the "Establishment" if you will, seem to look after themselves. Yes they are in public sector and private sector positions. They seem to get these positions largely because of who they know rather than their capabilities, so when they fail, they just walk into another top position because their mates look after them ... and well ... you wouldn't want to have one of 'the masses' having a position of power would you?

I've branched off topic, to bring it back to the NHS. I don't think it matters whether this large and powerful organisation would be public or private in the UK. It would likely be headed up by one of the Establishment and so it would in all likelihood flounder and be propped up by those working hard on the 'shop floor'. Until those in positions of power in this country (the UK) reach those positions based on their capabilities and not because of who they know, we will continue muddling along with those doing actual work beavering away to make up for the inadequacies of those at the top.

I don't think it helps to have an argument about who is worst off public vs private sector workers. I'm not saying anyone is here. I just don't think it helps to say any one set of workers has it particularly bad. We all of us are having it bad at the moment, for my entire working life it has been a constant drive in the direction of do more, faster for less money. To the point where we barely have enough time to think/ensure that what we are doing is correct or as good as it could be. It has saddened me in the last year or so to see the media try to whip up an argument between two sets of workers and have them each blaming each other.
I know many teachers and NHS workers and don't doubt that their lot is not a happy lot, long hours, stresses and low pay.
Mind you I have only ever worked in the private sector and I have always been expected to work much longer hours than 40hr per week for no extra pay and at times my health has suffered because of the stresses placed upon me by work. I do count myself to have a 'good' job though, I shudder to think of working in a Sports Direct warehouse too afraid to take a day off work ill for fear of losing my job...