The 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.
"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". This is despite energy bills continuing to soar as well as increasing food costs.
In response to Ms Maclean's comments, Labour's mayor of Greater Manchester, Mr Burnham, said: "If only it were that easy." He added: "Ministers are demonstrating on a daily basis how they haven’t got a clue about dealing with the cost-of-living crisis."
Mr Burnham was joined by many politicians across GM in condemning the minister's suggestion. Labour's deputy leader and MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, Angela Rayner, said: "Could the Tories be any more out of touch if they tried?"
Shadow minister and MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, Jonathan Reynolds, added: "Out of touch and out of ideas. Never was an 80 seat majority so wasted on a Govt."
"After Rachael Maclean’s car crash interview this morning, I genuinely don’t think some Tory MPs realise that in the “real world” second and third jobs are needed to supplement the poor pay of the first job," said Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish. Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West and Royton, added: "Completely out of touch."
