Lifestyle

12 OPINION AND DEBATE THE FOUNDER September 2021 Key Workers During the Pandemic: Something Needs to Change

KENZA GARMZI |

CONTENT WRITER

During the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a social change that has been previously unheard investments to return – according to the Treasury - 4.62 times their original investment turning $1000 into $4620 and $1000000 work for their enjoyment and not just for their boss’s profit motive. This means increasing of: attitudes to key workers. For the first time, the importance of predominantly lower-paid workers role in society has been made clear. People and big companies have placed billboards and created small deals for these key workers throughout the pandemic. However, most of this action has been, at best, inadequate and at worst, performative. The two are closer to being as bad as each other and presents a silent reality surrounding attitudes towards workers and the damaging impact this has on humanity. During the pandemic, the already rich made millions through manipulating money during an economic crash which pushed the number of those in poverty worldwide to 150 million according to the world bank. Whilst the rich get richer, the poor get poorer. A typical result for a capitalist economic system. This seems even more dystopian when you realize that even a global pandemic, which left millions with their lives, livelihood and loved ones lost, can’t stop the ever-growing force of the ‘free market’ help make millionaires billionaires. The wealthy used the money on hand and utilized the unequal bailouts to their advantage by investing in the stock market that was bouncing back. The federal reserve later dropped interest rates to 0, this lasted for a decade which caused low point into $4620000. Small businesses having to shut down during COVID-19 and a collapsing stock market created the perfect conditions for the wealthy to take advantage of similar government programs which were formed to bail out banks and businesses. Where does this leave key workers? Key workers make up a part of the workforce that cannot work from home and are some of the lowest paid in society, despite providing a service that arguably upholds our society. Furthermore, their work is some of the most stigmatized in our society, which regularly looks down upon key workers such as cleaners and refuse collectors. Where would we be, as a society, without the people who put food on our shelves, provide healthcare or educate our youth? The government cheers the NHS on whilst simultaneously refusing to raise NHS workers’ pay, until immense public pressure to do so. Performative gestures are a crucial part of keeping disillusioned members of society feel as though they are being heard when this is quite the opposite. Ultimately, workers’ roles in society needs a societal revolution if we are to process into a situation in which people minimum wages, making it harder for people to manipulate money into a fortune, and less government cuts to fields it deems ‘unimportant’. Overall, just respecting people’s work even if it isn’t academic or ‘aspirational’ in our current societies’ point of view. They benefit as they are treated with dignity and respect and other workers benefit from their inevitably high-quality work as a result. Every worker’s role in society is what upholds its very existence.

Business Insider has given three examples of the rich get richer during other times of crisis. The 2007 housing crisis and stock market crash caused government aid to rise by seven hundred billion to purchase devalued assets from banks which were then used to reduce inerest for homeowners who were largely affected by the Great Recession.

How to Care for Your Skin During the Madness that is Fresher’s Week

MAHEEN SHARIFF | CONTENT WRITER

Fresher’s week is upon us! Ladies and gentlemen, it is that time of year again where freshly administered students around the UK move into university. For some people, fresher’s week is their first time going to university and living away from home. For others, they are moving into their accommodation and are attending fresher’s week events to distract themselves from the reality that they are in fact, no longer a fresher and that they might have actual responsibilities… *shudders*. Regardless of what position you are in, fresher’s week can be a stressful time for everybody which means whatever skincare routine we may or may not have previously had, takes quite the hit. Here are some simple yet effective ways of looking after your skin that do not break the bank account.

1. DRINK WATER This one is self-explanatory and might sound obvious, but it honestly is the best thing you can do. During fresher’s week you will most likely be doing lots of walking and/or going out in the evenings. Make sure to sip as much water as you can during the day to ensure your body is getting that hydration it needs. A great piece of advice is to invest in a two-liter water bottle. Aim to finish it every day and watch the difference in your skin and energy levels during the week.

2. FACE MASKS Who does not love a face mask? They are the most wonderful thing to come home to after a long day; especially when they are peel off ones and you get to hear that gorgeous peeling sound. Some affordable ones include: - Garnier pure active charcoal mask - Loreal clay masks Both are easily accessible from Tesco’s or Superdrug located on Egham high street. However, if you decide you do not want to spend your money on face masks a wonderful way of cleaning your skin is to simply take a hot shower. The heat will act as a natural facial treatment and will open your pores and therefore cleanse them.

3. DO NOT SLEEP IN MAKEUP If you take away anything from this article, it is this one right here. Never ever sleep in your makeup. All the dirt and bacteria from your night out will get nice and comfortable in your pores, leading to breakouts and irritation due to the dirt build up. Here is the best recommendation: 1. Micellar water

2. Double cleanse with your face wash 3. Moisturise

Lastly… relax! Of course, it is easier said than done, but fresher’s week looks different for everyone. Some people go on a week-long drinking bender, whilst some people attend a few day events (such as the plant sale hosted by our wonderful Student Union) and then enjoy their evenings in bed with a cuppa. Either way, if you feel mentally relaxed, you are safe, and you enjoy yourself - then you are doing just fine.

Ten Tips for Decorating Your University Room

CYANN FIELDING | LIFESTYLE EDITOR

1. Fairy lights/LEDs are a must

Student Halls’ lighting can be… well, not the best. They are either too bright, too dim or flicking with some sort of annoying noise (this is unless you are in George Eliot where you have the luxury of holding your light switch down to dim the lights). In addition, when you are tucked up in bed chilling, the last thing you want is bright lights in your face that do everything but make you feel cosy. Here’s where LEDs and fairy lights come in. Whichever you chose is personal preference, but fairy lights give a nice warm glow – perfect for autumn and winter, whereas LEDs make your room a singular colour – or alternating colours – to make it feel vibey and fun. Fairy lights and LEDs will help your room to become cosy at night and fun when you are getting ready for a night out – a definite must for every student.

2. Pick a colour scheme

A lot of students tend to just bring stuff from home and throw it into their room ending up with a multitude of colours clashing and complimenting each other simultaneously. To make your room feel extra special, opt for a colour scheme (typically one, two or three different colours). This will help your room to feel cohesive and a happy environment for you to spend your time in. It will also just be aesthetically impressive to any new friends that see it.

3. Make sure you have plenty of cushions and blankets