We all know that the UK is sometimes bedevilled by labour unrest. Indeed, London has been affected several times this year by transport strikes.

But we have nothing on the French. Last week there was severe disruption in France with petrol stations running out of fuel and strikes by air traffic controllers.

These disturbances followed earlier disruption affecting railways, airports and ports. Employers have warned that these disturbances have already started to affect the economy.

Still, let’s get our priorities right.