Outsiders miss the underlying class struggle here. When an employer underpays a position the door opens to nepotism and class discrimination. If the pay is be

Outsiders miss the underlying class struggle here. When an employer underpays a position the door opens to nepotism and class discrimination. If the pay is below a reasonable wage for the associated costs, ie living in london, only those with outside income will apply. They take the position for the prestige and power the office conveys rather than the money paid. So it goes to the son-in-law of someone important, some upstart who needs a fancy stamp on the resume to justify his inevitable next appointment up the civil service hierarchy. Several New York law firms do this. Pay new lawyers nothing and you are free to hire only from a narrow group of legal and political families. Also, every political party filling campaign positions with "volunteers" hoping to get a position of power if the condidate wins office. They are all sons and daughters from political families. Once upon a time many high positions did not pay. Some even required regular payment from the office holder. Want to be near the seat of power in london? Want the ear of the king? That will cost you. Ever watch tales about The Three Musketeers? In reality, the musketeers were drawn from elite families because they had to cover all of thier own costs. It was a prestige position for sons of power wanting to work near the palace.