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A TORY minister has dubbed struggling unskilled workers “plebs”.

The word was used in a newsletter for skills minister John Hayes about a Government scheme. It read: “The Have A Go campaign aims to prevent a new era of PLEBS – People Lacking Everyday Basic Skills.” It comes after David Cameron was accused of sexism and Business Minister David Willetts criticised feminism.

Labour said yesterday the Government had “a sick sense of humour”. The Department of Business said the word was a mistake.