Inflation figures- UNISON response

UNISON, the UK’s largest union, is calling on the government to ditch its failed economic strategy and come up with a plan B. Today’s inflation figures mean misery for hardworking families, said the union, who are being hit from all sides by rising prices, low pay, and a pensions hike for public sector workers looming large. Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, said: “This strategy is clearly failing. The government must come up with a plan B. It’s a constant drum beat of misery for hardworking families. They are being hit with frozen pay and rising prices. Public sector workers are also facing having to pay an extra 50% for their pensions. “Today’s fractional fall in retail price inflation will not relieve the pain of family budgets. We know many low paid workers, for example care and health care assistants, already struggle with heavy debt. Many are cutting back on spending on food and things for their children – they are already at rock bottom. “Clearly we are not all in this together. Whilst public sector workers pay with their livelihoods and living standards, the bankers are still getting mega pay rises and big bonuses.”