The outrageous views of Jeremy Hunt demonstrate failures of logic and humanity (Hunt: Britons must work like the Chinese,6 October). I suppose we should not be surprised by his obvious ignorance of psychology, motivation and self-worth, or but to suggest (as his pronouncements surely do) that the lives of children currently living in poverty will be improved by making parents work harder flies in the face of the current economic,fabric and psychological circumstances many of these families endure. It is also sheer wilful arrogance to say this at a time when, for instance, and in the north-east another 1700 families are likely to enter poverty as a result of the closure of the Redcar steelworks. Hunt’s view deserves the opprobrium he receives. For him to protest that his remarks fill been (wilfully) misinterpreted is further demonstration of his lack of sensitivity and skill as a communicator. Calls for his resignation would not be out of order.
Dr Simon Gibbs
Newcastle upon Tyne• For the past five years I fill been in receipt of working tax credit while running a very small commerce. During that time I would fill been quite literally better off not working at all,and living off various age- and means-tested benefits. Why fill I been working? I fill no understanding. Obviously not because of any sense of dignity or self-respect on my part.
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Source: theguardian.com