The MP for Redditch Rachel Maclean, has suggested that people who are struggling to make ends meet due to the cost-of-living crisis should move towards a better-paid job or work longer hours at their current position.

Although the MP did admit that this approach would not work for all households, she insisted that the idea is something that people should be considering.The MP's comments were received with outrage amongst many people battling the recent inflation in everyday costs including energy bills and petrol prices. This outrage was shared by shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, who branded the MP's comments as "tone deaf".MP Rachel Maclean said:"I think what we need to focus on now is over the long-term. We do have 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.""These are long-term actions but that is what we are focused on as a Government."Agreeing that this solution would not work for every family, Maclean continued:

"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."

The MP's comments have already been rebutted by government officials as well as regular civilians. TUC general secretary, Frances O'Grady is calling for an emergency budget to tackle the rise in cost-of-living, and stated that "working people don't need lectures, they need help".