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

Denying staff a pay rise won’t help the economy

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