Inflation figures a nightmare for families and public services, says UNISON

Commenting on the latest consumer prices index (CPI) inflation figures today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“This is the stuff of nightmares. Households already feeling the pinch will be aghast at this latest hike in living costs.

“For many low and middle earners, food, energy and transport are quickly becoming unaffordable luxuries.

“Record numbers of workers are leaving the labour market and employers are struggling to fill vacancies. Those that can are having to up their game and pay premium wages.

“Unless the government now provides more money for the public sector, the pay of those running essential services will slip further and further behind, while living costs rocket.

“If there’s no extra cash for inflation-beating wage rises, health, care, council, police and education services could lose so many staff they’ll no longer be able to deliver for the public.”

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