Britons want a return to values of the past

As Britain struggles with growing fear of crime, soaring inflation, failing pension provision and a fast food generation new research by Chelsea, UK building society, shows consumers want a return to the values of the past.

The study of 1,424 consumers revealed that 87% of respondents believe manners and respect are missing among today's children and 71% wish to reintroduce regular family meals around the dining table. All age groups including both men and women also believe that children are being encouraged to grow up too fast and feel it important that they be allowed to act like children for longer (69%).

Top values Britons would like to see a resurgence of in today's society:

Employment - A job for life (62%)
Service- Service with a smile (79%)
Community- Children able to play outside their houses (72%)
Financial Security- Simple financial products (63%)
Manners- Children with manners and respect (87%)
Pace of Life- Less fast food (54%)
Family- Family meals around the dining table (71%)

Today's fast paced society and rising fear of crime rates is also blamed for the breakdown of communities. Seventy two percent of respondents believe it is growing more difficult for children to play safely outside their own homes and 70%, with greatest concentration among 45-65 year olds, express a desire to return to a time where people actively sought to help their neighbours. In addition, as supermarket giants take over the high street, 63% also wish for the return of their independent local butchers and shops.

With regards to the changing nature of employment, service levels and financial security, respondents also express some strong desires for values of the past. Sixty two percent wish to reinstate job security with jobs for life and a company pension (57%) and an overriding majority of respondents simply wish to see a return of service with a smile (79%).

It is the older generation, however, that is most frustrated with foreign call centres; 55% of 45-54 year olds and 61% of 55-64 year olds wish to significantly reduce their numbers. Fifty seven percent of all respondents want more trust in financial institutions and 63% desire the return of simple financial products without hidden costs or small print.

Darren Stevens, Director of Customer Services at Chelsea Building Society, commented; "Despite the advantages of modern society, many consumers wish life were simpler and less pressured. With the extensive media coverage surrounding crime, childhood obesity, extended working hours and downgraded service it is unsurprising that people will hark back to the ‘good old days'. However, all is not lost. With concerted efforts, businesses, families and individual's can bring aspects of the past back into their modern lives.

"At Chelsea Building Society we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and uncomplicated, straightforward financial products. By retaining certain values of the past and embedding them in our plans for the future we hope to be able to satisfy customers young and old for many years to come."