If anyone is in any doubt that there is huge inequality in our rich nation, it should be dispelled by the news that Britain has the highest number of billionaires per head than any other country.
Those 104 billionaires jointly increased their wealth by £56 billion in the past year, to reach a massive £301bn or an average of £3bn each.
Much of that rise is a direct benefit of the tax rate being cut from 50p to 45p.
Meanwhile, the poorest fifth have an average of £2,230each.
They suffer far more from food, fuel and housing price inflation. A higher proportion of their income is spent on the basics of life and many find themselves shut out of the housing and jobs market.
Food banks, payday loan sharks, benefit cuts, are the daily diet of the poor.
Among our own members, we have seen a rise in those seeking help through our charity There For You.
The pay freeze and squeeze has left them with reduced income, while prices soar.
This kind of society is not sustainable. And politicians ignore the problems it is storing up at their peril.
In our pay claims, we haven’t asked for the earth. We just want a fair share – a decent living wage.
Out of all the wealth that the workers of this nation create, there is enough to go round to give everyone a decent quality of life.
All it takes is the political will.