Today's row over benefits was optional: the government, by all accounts, did not need to have a parliamentary vote on the decision to raise most benefits by only 1% a year between now and 2015.

BBC: Fairness and the welfare bill

For example, Adobe Systems Inc. in San Jose posts its employee benefits online, including deductibles for medical and dental insurance, payroll deductions for optional coverage and details about its sabbatical programs, 401(k) plan, profit sharing and employee stock purchase plans.

CNN: Does your Web site reveal too much?