Frontline heroes desperately need a pay rise, says TUC

Commenting on the latest figures on employment and pay, published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics, which show that real pay has fallen back below the level it was at before the financial crisis, TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: 

“We are on the brink of another economic crisis before we have recovered from the last one. 

“Today’s pay figures are another reminder that workers have been suffering the longest pay squeeze in centuries. Our frontline heroes desperately need a pay rise.’ 

And commenting on jobs figures from December to February, before the impact of coronavirus was being seen fully across the economy, which show a slight rise in unemployment, Frances O’Grady said:  

“Millions of people’s livelihoods are at risk in the current crisis. It’s vital they all have the support they need to make ends meet and aren’t thrown into poverty. 

“The government must keep the job retention scheme in place, so employers can continue to furlough workers and protect jobs. 

“Some people who have lost their jobs will now be receiving universal credit for the first time – and will be shocked at how meagre the allowance is. We need to boost universal credit to £260 a week and the five-week wait for support should be scrapped.”