Three and a Half Per Cent
This topical song centres on the government of the day's proposal that pay rises for workers be capped at 3½ per cent, a figure which sounds generous by today's standards, but in the 1960s, meant a cut in real terms. Leon's derision is reserved for the reigning Labour Party and their first post-Attlee government, which many supposed would mean a redistribution of wealth towards the working class. In 1966 the government had passed the Prices and Incomes Act, giving them control over wage increases, promptly followed by "warnings" that a period of "restraint" was needed.
The song is not known to have been recorded, but is preserved as sheet music, with a copyright of 1968.
The song is not known to have been recorded, but is preserved as sheet music, with a copyright of 1968.
"At the beginning of the Labour Party's March towards Socialism, it fixed on the magic figure of 3½ per cent as the limit wages were to be allowed to rise. Certain underprivileged classes - judges, MP's, doctors, generals - were allowed somewhat more. But for the rest of us, it was 3½ per cent or nothing. In the event it turned out to be nothing... So when you come across 3½ per cent in this song, it would probably be more accurate to understand (like the Labour Government) nothing." - LR (Look Here (songbook), 1968)
Sheet music
- Look Here p14