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date: 26 January 2010

embargo: 00.01hrs 27 January 2010

'Market knows best' policies of last 30 years have damaged fairness in the UK

Commenting on the final report of the National Equalities Panel (NEP) published today (Wednesday), TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'This exceptional report describes in graphic detail just how unfair and unequal our society has become thanks to 'market knows best' policies.

'This sad story began in the 1980s when inequality really took hold, but even in recent years the best that can be said is that it hasn't got any worse.

'We have now tested to destruction the theory that wealth trickles down - it doesn't. Instead growing inequality destabilises the wider economy, leaves a substantial proportion living in real poverty and undermines the social cohesion that provides a large part of what makes for a good fulfilling life.

'It cannot be right that as we look to rebuild our economy, a non-English name can still count against someone on their CV and that the only group of women to have any career progression in wages when they reach their 30s are highly qualified public sector workers.

'The super-rich and powerful have a vested interest in closing down any debate about inequality by talking of the 'politics of envy' or 'core vote strategies'. But inequality damages the economy and society for the vast majority of the population. Politicians of every party must meet the challenge set by this devastating analysis.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 27 Jan 2010