Living standards squeeze hitting growth, warns TUC

Friday 28 April 2017: For immediate release

Commenting on ONS figures released today (Friday), which show GDP growth slowing to 0.3%, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

"Today's GDP figures do not bode well for the future.

"Consumer spending has been propping up the UK economy. But with pay packets squeezed, families have less money to spend on the high street.

"The next government cannot rely on household spending alone to drive growth, especially when another living standards crisis is on the horizon.

"Politicians have long promised to rebalance the economy.  They need to spell out at this election how they will deliver, starting with an industrial strategy that creates good jobs where they’re needed most."

TUC analysis published today shows that London and the South East is set to account for 40% of the economy by end of the next Parliament.

ENDS

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