The post attracted a number of negative comments on social media
Jo Platt hit back at the negative comments(Image: ABNM Photography)
MP Jo Platt has hit back at ‘unkind and ignorant’ comments following a social media post about retail workers. The Atherton and Leigh Labour minister shared a picture with employees at ASDA on Saturday (February 14).
Meeting apprentices at the supermarket, the MP wrote: “I’m ambitious for young people across Leigh and Atherton and passionate about ensuring they can access opportunities close to home. It was fantastic to hear directly from apprentices about their experiences and the importance of access to vocational, skills-based pathways.”
But after sharing the picture, the post attracted a number of negative comments from other social media users. One posted about the colour of blusher one of the female workers was wearing, describing her makeup as being like the ‘Ultimate Warrior’.
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Another ignorantly added: “Do you need an apprenticeship to stack shelves?” as a third commented: “Nobody needs a qualification in customer service.”
Hitting back at the comments, Platt said she was ‘taken aback’ by ‘unkind and ignorant comments’ aimed at those working within the apprenticeship scheme, adding that retail work is ‘a tough job’ involving hard graft.
“I’m genuinely taken aback by some of the unkind and ignorant comments aimed at young people choosing this path,” she wrote. “I worked in retail when my kids were little. It’s a tough job, and anyone who’s done it knows the graft involved – but it’s also full of pride, purpose and people skills you carry for life.
“What’s really disappointing is that some of the negativity isn’t coming from the usual bots or anonymous accounts, but from local people. We should be lifting our young people up, not tearing them down.
“If you can’t find something constructive to say, it’s absolutely fine to say nothing at all. Our community – and our young people – deserve better.”
