Lowering Business Tax – Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017)

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is a significant tax reform law passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump. The law aimed to reduce the tax burden on businesses and individuals by lowering tax rates, doubling the standard deduction, and increasing the child tax credit, among other provisions. It also included a provision to repeal the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act, which required most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty.

Privatization – Royal Mail Privatization (2013)

The Royal Mail privatization was the sale of the UK government’s majority stake in the Royal Mail, a 500-year-old state-owned postal service, to private investors in 2013. The privatization aimed to modernize the postal service, improve its financial performance, and increase its competitiveness. It was one of the largest privatizations in the UK in recent years, and its success has been debated, with some arguing that it led to job losses and decreased services, while others argue it has improved efficiency and allowed for investment in new technology.

Training and Education – The Hartz Reforms (2003)

The German Hartz Reforms, introduced in the early 2000s, aimed to improve human capital by increasing the availability of training and education programs for workers. The reforms included the introduction of a “training voucher” system, which provided financial support for workers to attend training programs and education courses. Additionally, the reforms incentivized companies to offer training programs to their employees by providing tax breaks and other benefits.

Weakening the Power of Trade Unions – The Trade Union Act (1984)

The Trade Union Act of 1984 was a piece of legislation introduced in the United Kingdom during the Thatcher government to restrict the power and influence of trade unions. The Act introduced new requirements for unions to hold secret ballots before calling a strike and provided for more legal protection for workers who chose not to participate in strikes. It also made it easier for employers to dismiss workers who participated in unlawful strikes and placed limits on union donations to political parties.