I have a little business, a start-up at this stage

And I employ four employees and pay a decent wage;

We work a steady 5-day week; right now, the business pays

But soon I’ve got to cut their time so each can work 4 days,

But not reduce their weekly pay; so if we want to thrive

And turn out goods just like before I’ll have to take on 5.

But this will raise my wages bill by 1/5 more in costs

The profits that my firm now makes will at a stroke be lost.

“Oh no they won’t” the numpties cry “cos in this Brave New Age

Your productivity will rise offsetting the fifth wage”.

“It might rise in cloud cuckoo land” I say that that’s a myth

And even if it wasn’t would it improve by 1/5?

But even if this was achieved then still the logic fails

Cos would the extra goods produced translate to extra sales?

If not then I must swallow hard to take this bitter pill

By raising all my prices by 1/5 to just stand still

And risk the loss of customers because my increased price

They can’t afford so hence they leave which won’t be very nice.

For now I have no business – we foreclosed it at this stage;

And also no employees who likewise have no wage.