Government ‘sleepwalking into another living standards crisis’, says TUC

Commenting on the latest inflation figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today (Tuesday), which show Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 2.3% in February – its highest level since October 2013 – TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Working people across the UK are now facing the double blow of rising prices and slower wage growth.

“If the government doesn’t wake up, we risk sleepwalking into another living standards crisis.

“We urgently need more investment in skills and infrastructure to build strong foundations for better paid jobs. And it’s time to scrap the pay restrictions hitting hardworking teachers, nurses and other public servants.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
- The ONS has changed the headline inflation measure they report on from CPI to CPIH. Both figures were at 2.3% in February 2017, with both figures showing the highest levels since October 2013.  

- All TUC press releases can be found at tuc.org.uk/media
- TUC Press Office on Twitter: @tucnews