Inflation remains a threat to living standards, says TUC

15 November 2016

Commenting on the latest inflation figures published by the Office for National Statistics today (Tuesday), which show Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 0.9% in October, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Working people are still recovering from the longest wage squeeze since Victorian times. With inflation remaining higher, and pay growth slowing, gains in living standards could soon grind to a halt again.

“Leaving the EU will be a major economic challenge for this country. We need investment now to create more decent, well-paid jobs.

“By investing more in rail, roads, housing and clean energy, the government can boost future jobs and wages.

“Working people also need help now to keep their wages ahead of inflation. So the Chancellor should use the Autumn Statement to end the public sector pay cap and announce an increase to the national minimum wage.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The TUC’s Autumn Statement submission is here: www.tuc.org.uk/AS16

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @The_TUC and follow the TUC press team @tucnews