As A "Self employed" the issue has no real meaning but the thing about poor rates is so true.

The reason why you can't get a plumber for less than £X/hr plus callout is because no plumber anywhere charges less.

Plumbers dont go around shooting each other in the foot!

Of course If I was a train driver and I got together with other train drivers and said "We're not prepared to work for less than £X/Hr" its called a Union and is (More or less)OK. If I was to contact other independent garrages in the area and say "We shouldnt be charging less than £x/Hr" it would be called "Price Fixing" and we could be fined or even go to Prison!!

Ho Humm