Lockdown workers feel let down over rising costs
Workers struggling with the rising cost of living are questioning if the recognition they received during the coronavirus lockdowns was worth it, according to a leading trade union.
Usdaw, which represents shop, distribution and allied workers, said a survey of more than 6,500 clearly showed the "deterioration" in living standards many have experienced, as well as the urgent need for Government action.
Two-thirds of respondents said they have relied on borrowing to pay their everyday bills, with around half of those struggling with repayments.
Two-thirds said they were "significantly" cutting down on heating to cope and one in fourwerenolongerusingtheir heating at all. Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis, told the union’s annual conference: "Key workers were rightly praised for their incredible contributions throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
"However, their heroic efforts appear to have been quickly forgotten and they must be asking themselves, was it worth it?
"Having worked throughout, risking their health and too often facing abuse from customers, many key workers are still struggling in lowpaid insecure employment and now face a growing cost of living crisis.
"Wages are now lower in real terms than in 2008 and insecure work remains prevalent. The energy price cap rise has pushed many household budgets to the limit.
"These are the very real experiences of many supermarket workers struggling to afford the basic food they need."
Usdaw is calling for a windfall tax on the profits of North Seaoilandgasproducers,acut in VAT and an overhaul of Universal Credit."