We need new approach to solve problems with economy

The possible demise of fashion chain Republic, which puts 2,500 jobs at risk after it was put into administration (Metro, Thu), adds to fears the economic crisis is here for the foreseeable future. Indeed, it will last as long as we continue to impoverish the majority of our population.

For the past 30 years, we have followed economic policies that suck national income and wealth towards those who need it least, the affluent. According to some estimates wages are now so low the majority of British households have been forced into the position of needing benefits just to get by. Such misery impoverishes the government through reduced taxes and the high street via diminished spending.

The root cause of the crisis is the huge increase of inequality from which our nation suffers. There is now too little wealth at the foundations of our society to support our way of life. To get out of this depression, we need a new approach. Kevin Albertson, economist, Manchester Metropolitan University

I hope all the Tory supporters were listening to the comments from Sir Mervyn King, the outgoing governor of the Bank of England, on high rates of inflation and the state of the economy (Metro.co.uk, Wed). He was essentially telling chancellor George Osborne that focusing on growth rather than austerity is actually the way to improve our economy.

Since 2003, hourly rates of pay have decreased, along with the projected level of income. And it looks like inflation will stay high until 2016. This could lead to higher levels of unemployment, yet the government doesn’t appear to have any solutions.

So how can Tory supporters possibly believe Mr Osborne has a clue about what to do with Britain’s economy? ST Vaughan, Birmingham

Tragic event

I was sad to see four-year-old Morgan Phelan died of meningitis after a hospital said she had a ‘bad cold’ (Metro, Wed).

Meningitis and septicaemia are notoriously difficult to diagnose and can kill in hours but she had a rash, which is often a clear indicator of septicaemia, the blood poisoning form of the disease.

On behalf of Meningitis UK, which represents families who have experienced the devastation caused by meningitis and associated diseases, I pass on our sympathies to Morgan’s family. Steve Dayman, founder, Meningitis UK