I’ll get on my bike for Deliveroo if you will too, Mr Works Minister

The work and pensions secretary thinks the ‘economically inactive’ over-50s should take up shifts with delivery companies like Just Eat and Deliveroo. Fast-thinking on fast food? More like futile fantasy, says Sean O’Grady

As a someone who’s practised the trade of journalism for some years, I’m quite used to being asked for hot takes (if not takeaways) (PA Wire)

Speaking as an “over-50” who happens to be not-quite “over the hill”, I’m not overly offended by the suggestion that I should go out and deliver takeaways if I’d like to earn some extra cash.

The suggestion springs from the ever-fecund mind of Mel Stride, 61, who is the work and pensions secretary. Too many people take far too snobby a view of such work, which is as worthy of respect as any other kind of labour, including even the political sort (perhaps more so). Ferrying curries, Korean nourish bowls and pizzas around isn’t something I’d find demeaning in some way, even though I imagine the money isn’t great in that line of work.