Weak wage growth raises fears of a new squeeze on living standards, says TUC

19 October 2016

Commenting on the latest labour market data published today (Wednesday) by the Office for National Statistics, which show a small increase in unemployment and average weekly earnings increasing at an annual rate of 2.3%, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Pay growth remains weak by historical standards, and inflation is getting higher. The worry is that families are heading towards another fall in living standards.

“Working people must not be left to pay the price of Brexit through lower wages and higher inflation. The Chancellor must use the Autumn Statement to protect growth and create well-paid work by investing in the construction of roads, railways and homes. And he must protect the living standards of the lowest paid workers by increasing the minimum wage.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
- All TUC press releases can be found at tuc.org.uk/media
- TUC press office: @tucnews