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Greg Evans
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Conservative MP and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Esther McVey stirred controversy online yesterday.
In an interview with The Telegraph, McVey suggested that teenagers take on summer jobs in order to get them ready for the workplace in later life.
Teenagers should take more summer jobs to prepare them for the workplace, says minister @EstherMcVey1 https://t.co/nL88pL3gdR— The Telegraph (@The Telegraph) 1532672378
In the article, McVey writes that a 'cultural shift' has seen teenagers move their attention from part-time jobs to education and training.
She believes that summer and weekend jobs help youngsters acclimatise to the workplace and gain vital experience and skills for the future.
The 50-year-old said:
As we enter this post-Brexit era, I want to make sure that young people are as prepared as ever for the workplace and I want to restore the merits that summer jobs can bring.
McVey launched her campaign at Centre Parcs in Sherwood Forest on Friday yet her comments haven't been received as well as she may have hoped.
Many feel that McVey has completely misjudged the current jobs market for teenagers and has no idea how difficult it can be to find a job of any kind in the current market.
@Telegraph @EstherMcVey1 She really doesn't understand the job market. I had summer jobs and PT work whilst studyin… https://t.co/Gwk8yjO3jj— Dr Rachael Kay Burns (@Dr Rachael Kay Burns) 1532681796
Others questioned if McVey had ever actually worked a summer job.
The timing of McVey's statement also struck a nerve with some.
@tavole Indeed, and the fact she said this just as her holiday starts is typical Esther McVey.— Chris Giles (@Chris Giles) 1532681706
Underemployment is currently a major crisis which is driving in work poverty. Esther McVey suggests that young peop… https://t.co/iVKdq4i8Ev— Chris Giles (@Chris Giles) 1532683114
'Why would kids sacrifice their summers just to get a job?' was another popular topic.
Why is this even a thing with Esther McVey? Granted I don’t know many teens these days but the few I do that are 16… https://t.co/bNBhhWYP9a— katherine Kook (@katherine Kook) 1532690755
This may have been the best suggestion to help McVey out of this current pickle.
Can’t we find a summer job for Esther McVey to keep her from going anywhere near government?— Hicham Yezza (@Hicham Yezza) 1532682549
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