Government has produced a toolkit for persons who are unemployed or underemployed.Environment Minister Marc Bean yesterday admitted 'Tips for Tough Times' will do little to aid families without income for an extended period of time.He said the booklet highlights how needy persons can “move toward a lower cash lifestyle”.“As a Government I have made it clear governments do not produce wealth neither do they create jobs,” Mr Bean stated.“Responsibility is on the private sector, Government can facilitate the private sector to go into a mode of wealth creation to create employment.“For those who are the head of households and are the only breadwinners in their family then I would just encourage them to keep looking and keep working and if they cannot find work to create work.”He continued: “It's always an opportunity when the tide seems to be going out to be innovative and creative.“Not even those words wouldn't put food on people's tables and I do hear it when I canvass.“But as a Government I'm not purported to be a person waving a magic wand and fool people into thinking that I can make manna fall out of the sky that's not government's role.”The brochure was produced by the Sustainable Development Roundtable in an effort to provide a “critical resource to enable individual and family economic sustainability”.Said Mr Bean: “The financial stress facing many is very real. This toolkit provides users with a necessary guide on how to access service providers that assist our unemployed and underemployed.“'Tips for Tough Times' encourages all of us to consider ways to tighten our purse strings.“It contains valuable information and practical suggestions that draw attention to ways individuals and families can reduce their spending.”SDRT chairwoman Ianthia Simmons-Wade said: “Unemployment and underemployment are new situations for many individuals, most of whom may not know what questions to ask or what options and resources are available. Tips for Tough Times' was created with this in mind.“This is not a comprehensive document providing all of the answers. However, it is our hope that this will inspire ideas and thoughts toward further information and tips that have worked for others.“The SDRT believes that all families can benefit from this toolkit. For example developing a realistic budget and making a commitment to stick to it; wise shopping decisions; use of public transportation and water and energy conservation.“Other topics include food provision, healthcare options, counselling services and low-cost entertainment.”Mr Bean said he understood persons in the community were frustrated because they've been unable to find work.“Of course there's frustration because when a person cannot support themselves and their family at the basic material level then it goes to the psychological component; it affects one's soul.“And so of course there is frustration and as a Government we have to be understanding of that and we have to continue to take those initiatives that facilitate private sector job creation.”To view the booklet in full, see here or in the link.For suggestions e-mail the Sustainable Development Department, sdd@gov.bm.