Inflation is significantly outpacing earnings growth

 

UK inflation rose to 2.9 per cent in May, worsening the cost-of-living squeeze.

Earnings figures due to be published tomorrow show basic pay rising by 2.0 per cent — meaning that wage growth is significantly slower than inflation. And while inflation is at a four-year high, earnings are falling faster than at any time in the last three years.

Today’s figures also show that inflation is significantly outstripping the Bank of England’s predictions. In its May report, the Bank predicted that inflation would peak at 2.82 per cent in Q4 of this year — a level that’s already been exceeded.

‘The election showed that working people are struggling,’ commented TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady in response to the figures. ‘And the biggest price rises in four years won’t provide any comfort.’

“Working people are still £20 a week off worse, on average, than they were before the crash – and now rising prices are hammering their pay packets again. The new government must stop the real wage slide. Ministers must focus on delivering better-paid jobs all around the UK.”

Inflation has been steadily climbing since last June, when the Brexit vote caused a sharp drop in the pound and increased the cost of imported goods.

One Response to “Living standards squeeze continues as inflation rises to four-year high”

1. Residing standards press goes on as rising prices rises to four-year large – Newz For Now

   June 13, 2017

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