Struggling with cost of living? Work more or get a better job, says minister
STRUGGLING workers should simply move to a ‘better paid job’ or ‘take on more hours’ to deal with the cost of living crisis, a minister suggested yesterday.
Safeguarding minister Rachel Maclean was branded ‘out of touch’ by opposition critics after she said people can ‘protect themselves better’ from financial pressures by getting another job.
She conceded it wouldn’t work for everyone, but said those with extra capacity could visit job centres to apply for more work.
Mrs Maclean, Tory MP for Redditch in Worcestershire, told Sky News: ‘Over the long term we need to have a plan to grow the economy and make sure people are able to protect themselves better, whether that is by taking on more hours or moving to a better paid job.’
Labour’s economic spokesman Tulip Siddiq said last night: ‘This Tory Government could not be more out of touch or out of ideas. As energy bills rise ... comments like this are ridiculous.’