LABOUR MARKET: The Conservatives have failed working people, says TUC

• 1.51 million now unemployed (up 138,000 on the quarter), as rate rises to 4.4%
• 2.83 million out of work as they are long-term sick – another record high
• Pay still squeezed – if wages had grown at the pre-financial crisis rate the average worker would be earning £14,700 more a year

Responding to today’s (Tuesday) labour market data, which show unemployment and economic inactivity rising, while pay remains squeezed, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

“These damning figures show the Conservatives have taken the jobs market from bad to worse.

“Unemployment is rising. Vacancies are falling. Insecure work is at epidemic levels. Record numbers are long-term sick. And wages are still worth less than in 2008.

“The Tories have failed working people. We need a government that will rebuild industry, create wage growth, and deliver a better living for working families.”