Commenting on the latest inflation figures, UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said:
“The headline figure masks the cost of everyday essentials. For many workers the gap between pay and prices is widening, with food inflation standing high at around 4.8%.
“Just last week one major energy supplier announced an 8% price rise and others are expected to follow suit. Holding public sector workers to a 1% pay rise is condemning many families to face a heat or eat dilemma this winter.
“It is time the Government recognised the real hardship that its damaging pay policy is inflicting on hard pressed workers including nurses, teaching assistants, paramedics, care workers, cleaners, cooks and porters.
