'If only it were that easy': Andy Burnham hits out after minister claims people struggling should get better job
manchestereveningnews.co.ukThe Mayor of Greater Manchester has slammed a government minister who suggested people who are struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis s hould work more hours or get a better paid job .
Andy Burnham has said ministers 'haven't got a clue' about the crisis affecting millions of Britons. Home Office Minister Rachel Maclean told SkyNews this morning: "I think what we need to focus on now is over the long-term, we have got these short-term pressures on us that we're all aware of.
But, over the long-term we need to have a plan to grow the economy and make sure that people are able to protect themselves better - whether that is by taking on more hours or moving to a better-paid job." When asked why some people work three jobs yet still need support from foodbanks, Ms Maclean added that she was not “suggesting for one moment” that such an option would work for everyone.
She went on: “It may be right for some people, they may be able to access additional hours, but, of course, it is not going to work for people who are already in three jobs. READ MORE: Minister says people should work more hours or get better job to protect themselves from cost-of-living "That’s why we need to have the other measures, such as all the help we are putting into schools, the help with the local authorities … and that’s where we are going to target help to where it is most needed.” This comes after Lee Anderson MP, a Tory backbencher, caused controversy by saying that people who use foodbanks “cannot cook properly" and "cannot budget".
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