Biden denies benefits are holding back job-seekers

US President Joe Biden has rejected criticism that expanded unemployment benefits are keeping Americans from taking new jobs.

Mr Biden said any unemployed American offered a "suitable" job must take it, or risk losing unemployment benefits. 

Republicans have blamed bad economic data last week on the Democratic president's decision to extend expanded unemployment benefits.

The US added 266,000 jobs in April and the unemployment rate edged up to 6.1%.

Economists had predicted from 900,000 to 2 million jobs. Yet there are 7.4m unfilled positions, according to the US labour department.

On Monday, Mr Biden said he was directing the US Department of Labor to work with states to reinstate requirements that those receiving unemployment benefits must show they are actively seeking work.