Are you striking? I don’t mean good looking, I mean exercising your right to withdraw your labour.

Of course, many of us are choosing to carry on working, struggling on with ‘mustn’t grumble’ as our refrain.

Although those selfless workers have dedication which is admirable, is it also misplaced. Other colleagues are supporting the action by craftily having a stealth strike.

If you are unfamiliar with this concept then let me explain. Our local schools are out, our caretakers for the PCT-run buildings are out, and the hospital thinks Christmas has come early because all operations and outpatients are cancelled.

So the choice is stark.

Option A:  ‘Mustn’t grumble’

or Option B: Complain loudly about how your life has been made impossible/intolerable/worthless by the strikers and you have no option but to shut up shop and look after the children/parents/dogs.

So far so good, I hear you say, but here’s the best bit. Whilst supporting your fellow workers in overthrowing the regime, winning back your pension rights and denying the financial holocaust, you can also amuse the children and do your bit to lighten the recession by going Christmas shopping. Simples!

In one afternoon you could cripple the government, enjoy quality time with the kids, support the economy and cross off the majority of items on the list for the forthcoming festive season.

I’m struggling to see a downside to be honest. Just the patients getting in the way really.