Playing politics with people’s incomes puts all our futures at stake

“UK inflation is not being driven by public servants. Their household budgets are under such pressure that we’ve got nurses and teachers using food banks.  

“Playing politics with working people’s incomes is not only deeply cynical but it puts all of our futures at stake.  

“It risks permanent economic harm – and will undoubtedly damage recruitment and retention of staff in our vital public services.  

“Instead of blaming workers who can’t afford to put food on the table or petrol in their cars to get to work, ministers should focus on a credible plan for sustainable growth and rising living standards. 

“And they should publish the recommendations of all the pay review bodies and urgently get round the table with education unions to resolve the ongoing pay dispute.”