Britain cannot afford another real wages slump, warns TUC

Commenting on the latest inflation figures published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics – which show CPI inflation has risen to 2.7% and overtaken wage growth – TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“The last thing Britain needs is another real wage slump. But rising prices are hammering pay packets.

“Working people are still £20 a week off worse, on average, than they were before the crash. That’s why living standards must be a key battleground at this election.

“All the parties need to explain how they’ll create better paid jobs, especially in the parts of the UK that need them most.

“And there needs to be a recognition across the political spectrum of the damage pay restrictions in the public sector are doing. Nurses and teachers shouldn’t have to use food banks to get by.”