2010 to 2014 was the only five-year period where real disposable household income per head fell
2010 to 2014 was the worst five-year period for living standards since records began half a century ago, according to new analysis from the TUC.
The analysis, published today, compared five-year averages of UK disposable household income per head with the averages for the preceding five years.
It found that 2010 to 2014 was the only five-year period since records began in 1960 during which real disposable household income per head fell rather than grew compared to the preceding five years (2005-09).
Surprisingly, even during the height of the financial crisis from 2008 to 2012 there was a rise of 1.5 per cent on the preceding five-years (2003-07).
The TUC said the figures were further evidence that the coalition’s austerity programme was more to blame for the loss of living standards than the financial crisis that preceded it.
“Living standards have suffered the worst slump in at least half a century, leaving workers paying a heavy price for the government’s bad choices over the last five years,” said TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady.
“Conservative plans for extreme austerity after the election risk killing off the recovery again,” she added. “It would be Groundhog Day for living standards, making families worse-off and cutting public services down to a stump.”
James Bloodworth is the editor of Left Foot Forward. Follow him on Twitter
43 Responses to “2010 – 2014: the worst five-year period for living standards since records began”
Faerieson
What a load of old tosh!
Like yourself, I think there might be grounds to question the (entire) validity of the TUC’s analysis, but it would be horrendously stupid not to acknowledge the heavy rightward-leaning bias of the majority of other sources. So, thank heaven that the TUC is still able to offer an alternative slant.
As Lenin once stated, “If you tell a lie often enough it becomes the truth.”
Gerschwin
He didn’t say they created a global crisis, it is you trying to excuse them by referencing a global crisis. You need to grow up little girl and stop trying to be clever, we are all far more clever than you.
Ben Ellis
If by “clever” you mean “misogynist”, you’re extremely clever.
Cole
Ever heard of the global recession after 2008? Enough boring Tory lies.
Cole
Actually she was telling the truth. We don’t want patronising comments from right wing jerks and liars.