PexelsIn an ideal world, we would be able to choose which human rights we should have and everyone would live a peaceful and happy existence.
Realistically though, that’s never going to happen so we should just accept our fate and move on, right? Well, maybe not, as according to research people have strong views on the types of things we should be entitled to.
So what kind of things do people think should be considered basic human rights?
Having a 4G mobile signal, choosing our own working hours and always having a seat on a train were up there with the most important rights people wanted.
The poll of 2,000 adults also found people would ideally like to have mobile phone charging points in public areas, free gym membership and complimentary sun cream on hot days.
Wouldn’t we all? Although, if I had a free gym membership I don’t think anything would motivate me to go – I only drag myself there because it’s costing me £20 every month and it would be a waste otherwise!
PixabayHaving at least one holiday a year, having free access to wi-fi and not having to pay tax also made the list.
In all honesty, it’s starting to sound a bit more like wish list now. Of course I’d love not to have hundreds of pounds taken out of my wage each month in taxes – who wouldn’t? – but clearly that’s not a liable option.
A spokesman for NET Coverage Solutions said:
As the results suggest many of us have very strong views on the rights which should be available to all.
Some of the things have been genuine human rights for many years – access to water, freedom of speech and so on.
However, many represent the modern world – such as strong phone signal and being able to choose your working hours.
SWNSCarried out through OnePoll.com, the research also found poor phone signal is something people do not want to put up with anymore.
One quarter admitted they couldn’t bear to be without phone signal for any longer than 10 minutes, with more than half confessing they feel ‘extremely’ frustrated when they don’t any.
So much so, many have gone to ‘great lengths’ to get a signal – including walking several miles, climbing a tree and even creating some sort of homemade signal booster.
Whatever happened to just talking to people face to face?
Signal in hotels is a concern among those polled too – around one fifth have experienced bad phone reception while staying a hotel during the past 12 months. Four out of 10 of those even said it had ruined their stay.
Seventy per cent of those polled expect good mobile signal when visiting a hotel – and a third state that a lack of it would put them off visiting that hotel ever again.
SWNSNET Coverage Solutions’ spokesman added:
Clearly strong mobile phone signal is very important to people in general – but absolutely key to those staying in hotels, especially those on business.
Hoteliers might not realise just how important signal is to their guests but the results suggest a lack of it could prevent people staying at their hotels again in the future.
One third of those polled complained about the fact these ‘rights’ haven’t been fulfilled, with nine out of 10 people believing it is important to fight for one’s rights and have their say.
But more generally 75 per cent will complain when goods and services are not up to scratch, and four out of 10 people have even felt compelled to complain on someone else’s behalf.
One third have no qualms making their frustrations public – most frequently to friends, family and colleagues, but also through online reviews and through social media posts.
However, 17 per cent of those polled believe they complain too much. It also emerged three quarters of people think they take life’s perks for granted – and the same proportion think they should express appreciation for the good things in life more often.
Seven out of 10 people think we are lucky to live in the UK – while 76 per cent believe Britain as a whole is becoming less and less patient. Despite this, two thirds consider themselves to be patient.
SWNSA lot of statistics, I know. I nearly lost myself there, but to summarise: people have strong views about the types of modern things that should be considered basic human rights and aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
For the survey results and to download NET Coverage Solution’s free guide, ‘The new threat to hotel guest satisfaction: mobile signal is a basic human right! What are you doing?’ go to net-cs.co.uk.
If you have a story you want to tell, send it to [email protected].
A Broadcast Journalism Masters graduate who went on to achieve an NCTJ level 3 Diploma in Journalism, Lucy has done stints at ITV, BBC Inside Out and Key 103. While working as a journalist for UNILAD, Lucy has reported on breaking news stories while also writing features about mental health, cervical screening awareness, and Little Mix (who she is unapologetically obsessed with).