One in three people cannot afford unexpected emergencies, report warns

date: 16 January 2013

embargo: For immediate release

Commenting on figures released today (Wednesday) from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which shows that more than one in three people have no savings to cope with unexpected emergencies, TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said:

'People have seen their living standards put under intense pressure over the last few years as bills have soared and real wages have fallen.

'This large rise in the number of people unable to afford unexpected emergencies like a faulty boiler or a leaky washing machine highlights the day-to-day challenges many hard-pressed families are facing.

'These figures should act as an urgent wake-up call to the government. The UK now has a higher percentage of people at risk of poverty than most countries in Western Europe.

'Instead of helping families to make ends meet, the government has just rubber-stamped plans which will put an even greater squeeze on family finances by capping rises in vital benefits and tax credits from this April.'

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