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Selfridges has ignited widespread anger following the release of a £55 T-shirt featuring a provocative statement that mocks people who are unemployed.
The item of clothing could be found both online and in the company’s main branch on Oxford Street, featuring the statement: "Nothing beats the feeling of drawing unemployment benefits."
The shocking cost of £55 for the T-shirt exceeds half of the weekly jobseeker’s allowance of £90.50, prompting numerous people to criticize the retailer’s out-of-touch strategy.
Politicians have quickly denounced the item, labeling it as 'insensitive' and 'offensive.'
Former Conservative leader Lord Iain Duncan Smith spearheaded the criticism, stating: "This is offensive and in bad taste — both to those attempting to leave welfare and to taxpayers."
Why doesn't someone make a T-shirt with the message, 'Nothing compares to the satisfaction of your very first paycheck you earned'? This isn’t meant as a joke. Selfridges ought to discard such ideas.
Labour's Lord David Blunkett, who formerly held the position of Work and Pensions Secretary, added his thoughts, saying: "It appears to me that someone has totally gone off the rails."
'A spell of joblessness could perhaps get them up to speed.'
After receiving inquiries from The Sun on Sunday, the executives at Selfridges decided to take down the contentious shirts from their shelves.
It follows recent statements from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who committed to cutting the welfare budget by £5 billion. The plan aims to transition individuals currently receiving sickness benefits back into employment.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall outlined plans to save approximately £5 billion due to concerns that escalating expenses are becoming unsustainable.
The emphasis will likely be on disability and incapacity benefits, where criteria for qualification will become more stringent and continuous reviews will be intensified.
Individuals experiencing mental health issues might encounter increased pressure to find employment, whereas those who areDisabled may be encouraged to explore job opportunities, knowing they won't suffer losses if they're unable to continue working.
Nevertheless, Sir Keir Starmer encounters persistent opposition from within the Labour Party towards these suggestions even before their formal announcement, with detractors labeling them as 'shameful.'
Selfridges has been asked for clarification.
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