Growth in food bank need is a sign of failures on wages and welfare, says TUC

22 April 2015

New figures released today (Wednesday) by the Trussell Trust, which show that demand for food aid is still growing, are a sign of a weak economy for wages and damage to welfare, says the TUC.

The figures show record numbers seeking assistance from food aid, including many working families.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “This should make all of us ashamed, particularly those who claim we have a strong economy and everyone is sharing in the recovery.

“It tells us that the government has done grave damage to the welfare safety net. Of course we should deal with those who abuse it, but vicious sanctions and benefit cuts – even for those who paid in all their working lives – are destroying the support any of us might need if we lose our job or have an accident.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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