Unions £4k cash blow for workers
Millions of low-paid public sector workers will be nearly £4000 worse off by 2021, figures show.
Once inf lation is taken into account, and with the economy still reeling from the Brexit vote, average earnings are set to fall in real terms over the next five years, according to TUC research. Last night, Tory ministers came under attack for betraying Britain’s poorest – the people Theresa May pledged to help when she became Prime Minister.
TUC analysis of the Government’ s autumn statement shows the average public sector worker stands to lose £ 3700 – and that’s before increased housing costs are included. The hardest hit will include NHS midwives with a real-terms pay cut of £4908 and nurses, set to lose £ 3966.
Tory ministers have set a one per cent pay cap on public sector pay. But the Bank of England have warned families to expect a sharp rise in inflation next year as the weak pound ramps up the costs of imports.
TUC leader Frances O’Grady said: “The Chancellor had the opportunity to help hard-pressed midwives, care workers and teaching assistants, but chose not to.”
Unison boss Dave Prentis said: “Anyone working in the NHS, local government or education hasn’t had a decent pay rise in years, meaning real financial hardship.
“Declining real wages makes people rein in their spending so local shops and businesses suffer.”