About this campaign
The cost of living in the UK, and across the world, has been rising since 2021, with a 41-year high rate of inflation back in October 2022. The rising cost of everyday essentials such as food and clothes, piled on top of the sky-high prices of electricity, gas and transport, has had a cumulative effect on working people in Britain and it has taken its toll on many.
A survey showed that our members felt they were much worse off in 2023 than they had been the year before, with 81.5% of members agreeing with that sentiment.
Tackling cost of living issues is a key priority for the Union. We’re campaigning for a New Deal for Workers to improve minimum wage and employment rights.
Still Struggling
Our most recent Cost of Living Survey showed a much higher number of members who felt they’ve become worse off in the previous 12 months than the two years before that.
Over three-quarters of people said they could not afford to take sick leave.
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.
What we've achieved so far
In April 2024, the National Living Wage was increased for anyone aged 21 and up. This is a step in the right direction; however, we believe the NLW should be available for ages 18 and above.
Since April 2025, the NLW has risen to £12.21, the minimum wage for those under the age of 21 has also been increased.
We also believe wages should come in line with the ‘Real Living Wage’, which is set out by the Real Living Wage Foundation.
Statutory sick pay has also increased, meaning workers are now able to earn £118.75 per week whilst off sick.
Our campaigning on the Employment Rights Act helped to make sure it passed into law in December 2025.
That has meant improved rights for our members and all workers, including statutory sick pay from day one, an abolishment of the minimum earning threshold to receive sick pay, the end of zero-hour contracts for those who want guaranteed hours and greater protection for workers.
