The rising cost of every day essentials such as food and clothes, piled on top of the sky-high prices of electricity, gas and transport. Now with interest rates also rising, pushing mortgage payments up and up, the cumulative effect on working people in Britain is taking its toll.
With the General Election campaign now underway, Usdaw is committed to ensuring that politicians listen to the experiences of our members. We know that the cost-of-living crisis has meant that many households are struggling to make ends meet and we cannot afford for this to be forgotten.
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In our previous cost of living survey of thousands of our members:
- A staggering 81.5% of members say they feel worse off now than they did 12 months ago, higher than 77% in 2022 and 39% in 2021.
- 76% are not able to afford to take sick leave, 61% identify getting ill as a key concern.
- 70% say their children are missing out.
Tackling cost of living issues is a key priority for the Union. We’re campaigning for an increase in minimum wage rates and stronger employment rights as part of a
New Deal for Workers.
Implementing short-term measures to alleviate the crisis, in conjunction with a new deal for workers, will tackle rising costs and spiralling in-work poverty.
If you’re worried about money, there is a range of advice and support services available, including debt advice and access to benefits and grants.