Minister says people should work more hours or get better job to protect themselves from cost-of-living
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA government minister said people should consider taking on more hours at work or moving to a better-paid job to combat the rise in the cost of living.
Rachel Maclean, safeguarding minister in the Home Office, told Sky News that a focus is needed 'over the long-term' to 'grow the economy' so people can 'protect themselves better' as prices rise. "Whether that is by taking on more hours or moving to a better-paid job," she added. “These are long-term actions but that is what we are focused on as a government.” 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: Moment protester eggs Margaret Thatcher statue after it's unveiled in Grantham "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.” It comes as Mel Stride, who chairs the Treasury Select Committee, has said “there is a case” for a windfall tax on energy giants to help families deal with the cost-of-living crisis.
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