Category: inflation

Inflation failures strengthen case for general election, says UNISON

Commenting on the latest UK inflation figures announced today (Wednesday), UNISON assistant general secretary Jon Richards said:

“Higher prices, soaring rents and sky-high mortgages are a living nightmare.

“Government ministers don’t have a clue about the financial worries of most people. The prime minister and chancellor look content to sit back and watch while families lose their homes or can no longer pay their rents.

“The case for an election grows stronger by the day.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

The article Inflation failures strengthen case for general election, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Bank’s chief economist is “living on another planet”

Commenting on remarks made by Bank of England chief economist Huw Pill that British households “need to accept” they’re poorer and stop pushing for wage rises, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said today (Wednesday):

“Huw Pill is living on another planet. On his comfortable salary, he clearly has no idea of the impact soaring prices are having on working people and their families. 

“Millions are barely getting by, unable to pay their bills or cover the astronomical rises in grocery prices.

“Holding back wages won’t help. If workers don’t have the cash to spend, the economy won’t grow. 

“Low pay is prompting thousands of staff to desert the UK’s public services for better wages elsewhere. Without decent pay rises, the UK will never get back on its feet.”

Notes to editors:      
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

The article Bank’s chief economist is “living on another planet” first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Fair pay is the way to protect public services as high inflation continues

Commenting on new figures published today (Wednesday), showing inflation remains near a four-decade high, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“There’s no hint of an end to the price-rise nightmare for millions.

“Wage increases are miles off the recent leaps in food and energy costs. It’s even worse for public service employees.

“Ministers have to understand that unless workers are paid fairly to help them weather increased prices, essential services will never recover for the public.

“Chronic staff shortages in health, local government and education cannot be fixed if workers continue to quit for better pay elsewhere.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

The article Fair pay is the way to protect public services as high inflation continues first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Chancellor must not cut public services to fix economy, says UNISON

Commenting on new figures published today (Wednesday) showing inflation has risen again, to its highest level for four decades, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“Families already at rock bottom will be aghast that their financial misery is worsening.

“The record gap between wages and price rises mean workers in understaffed public services are ?either planning their exit route ?or have long gone. But essential services can’t function without their key resource – people.

“Unless the chasm between pay and household bills narrows soon there won’t be anyone left to look after our health, run schools, provide community services and care for the vulnerable.

“On Thursday the government must act to breathe new life into public services on the verge of collapse. Not deliver the final blow.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article Chancellor must not cut public services to fix economy, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Proper wage boost the answer as inflation reaches new high

Responding to the release of the latest inflation figures showing a new 40-year-high,  UNISON assistant general secretary Jon Richards said today (Wednesday):

“The cost-of-living crisis has become a living nightmare for millions of working people.

“Wages are slumping at a record rate while prices and bills shoot up. But the government and those angling to be the next PM appear indifferent to the plight of those struggling to make ends meet.

“Ministers are deluded if they think workers can put up with yet more misery. Above-inflation pay rises are essential to rescue families on the brink.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

The article Proper wage boost the answer as inflation reaches new high first appeared on the UNISON National site.