Does The Apprentice give a view of the morality of modern Britain? Here we have young bright people, culled from the world of business. They are competing for a job with Alan Sugar. As Alan Sugar is probably the most unpleasant man in the country, it would make more sense if they were competing not to get a job with him. Because Sugar supports some of the most disreputable ideas, and has a set of ethics more suitable to a tribe of wolves.

One of the contestants said that she was uncomfortable selling something that was not worth the money.

“Naïve,” said Sugar. “Terribly naïve. That’s what we’re in business for. To make a profit.” Well, a highway man makes a profit, a swindler, a kidnapper,a burglar, they all make a profit don’t they?

After the contest, in which the contestants compete to make a profit, somehow, anyhow, there is an inquisition, in which the losing team are urged to stab each other in the back. This black hearted treachery is regarded as normal and necessary in business life. If you are not prepared to chop your grandmother up for sandwiches you have no place in business
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The strange thing is that the contestants seem to regard this procedure as fair game. All’s fair in love and business. Lying, falsifying accounts, and ditching your best friend. There’s no loyalty in business, What you might regard as despicable behaviour is all right if it comes under the heading of business.

By the way, this is on the BBC.

Allen Saddler