Commenting on the latest figures on earnings growth over
the last 26 years, published today (Wednesday) by the Office for National
Statistics, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
"Today's figures show that while the minimum wage has provided an important pay boost to the very poorest workers, inequality has risen throughout the UK over the last quarter of a century.
"The top one per cent benefitted most from the boom, played the biggest role in causing the crash and then protected their earnings during the recession.
"Instead the cost of the economic crisis has been passed on to workers on average incomes, who have lost over £600, while those near the bottom have suffered the sharpest loss of all.
"This shows why we can't return to business as usual. The minimum wage must continue to rise to help the very poorest workers and more employers should pay a living wage to help the low-paid.
"Far bolder reform of executive pay is also needed to tackle soaraway pay at the top.
"Today's figures show that while the minimum wage has provided an important pay boost to the very poorest workers, inequality has risen throughout the UK over the last quarter of a century.
"The top one per cent benefitted most from the boom, played the biggest role in causing the crash and then protected their earnings during the recession.
"Instead the cost of the economic crisis has been passed on to workers on average incomes, who have lost over £600, while those near the bottom have suffered the sharpest loss of all.
"This shows why we can't return to business as usual. The minimum wage must continue to rise to help the very poorest workers and more employers should pay a living wage to help the low-paid.
"Far bolder reform of executive pay is also needed to tackle soaraway pay at the top.
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