Inflation hits 5.2%

(14/10/08) UNISON has renewed its call for the government to drop the unfair squeeze on public service pay following the latest rise in inflation.Figures out today show consumer inflation has soared to 5.2%, with higher gas and electricity bills causing much of the increase.However, care workers, nurses, teaching assistants and road sweepers don’t have to see the figures to know that costs have risen at an unprecedented rate, said UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis."They feel it where it hurts every time they do the family shop, fill up their car, or see another red bill come through the letterbox."The government has taken bold action to rescue the banks; it should now support the army of public sector workers who play a vital role in our local communities, and drop the unfair squeeze on their pay," he said.The latest increase in inflation strengthens the case to reopen the NHS pay deal, Mr Prentis said, pointing out that the agreed rise will leave health workers with a pay cut for next year.Local government workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are also looking for a fair deal as they take their case to arbitration, he said, adding: "With each rise in inflation, our case for higher pay for both these vital groups of staff grows stronger." National Statistics inflation page