High inflation will make a tough year for workers even harder, says TUC

Cheryl Pidgeon, Midlands TUC Regional Secretary

Commenting on the latest inflation figures published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics, which show the Retail Prices Index (RPI) increased to 4.8 per cent in December and the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose to 3.7 per cent, Midlands TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said: “The alarming rise in inflation means prices are running well ahead of pay deals. This will make a tough year for workers even harder to bear, particularly for public servants suffering a sharp real terms pay cut."
“Fuelling inflation with a VAT hike will hit workers in their wage packets and shopping receipts. This tax rise is bad for working families and damaging for the economy too.
“Surely it is now time for the Chancellor to use the budget to reconsider the VAT increase.”