There has been outrage in the United Kingdom after a senior government minister from the ruling Conservative party said that people should overcome the cost-of-living crisis by 'getting a better job'.
Rachel Maclean MP made the comments on Sky News when she was being questioned on how ordinary people should cope with soaring energy prices and inflation nearing a 30-year high.
She said:
"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 and these are long term actions but that's what we're focused on as a government."
Continuing:
"We have often heard in the past when people are facing problems with their budgets that one of the obstacles - and it may not be for everybody - is about being able to take on more hours or even move to a better-paid job. Of course, it's an individual situation, depending on that particular family's situation but that's why the job centres exist, that's why the work coaches exist, that's why we've put the support into those job centres - to work with individuals on their own individual situation. So it may be right for some people - they may be able to access additional hours. But of course it's not going to work for people who are already working in three jobs."
Rachel Maclean: People can protect themselves better from the cost of living crisis "by taking on more hours or moving to a better job"#KayBurley: Some people are working 3 jobs, they're working every hour they can... but they're still having to go to food banks#BBCBreakfast pic.twitter.com/CP5dslPHK9
— Haggis_UK 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 (@Haggis_UK) May 16, 2022
Critics say the statements show that the UK government is oblivious to the struggles and realities of workers in the country.
Among those airing their criticism was Peter Kyle, a Labour MP, who said:
"The idea that she could work longer and therefore not spend more time with her family - I think it's just disconnected from the realities of people's lives. What we need ministers to be doing is solving the economic problems that families have because of the economic problems our country faces. Their jobs as politicians aren't just to tell people to work harder, work longer and go for a promotion. It's actually to accept the reality that because of the decisions they are making in Westminster, people are no longer able to eat a decent diet."
[Based on reporting by: Sky News]
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