More cost of living pain with a further interest rate hike and worries that a punishment Budget is to come says Usdaw

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “The worsening cost of living crisis is clearly a direct result of the so-called Mini-Budget that tanked the economy; leading to today’s further interest rate rise and predictions of a long recession to come. We urge the Prime Minister and Chancellor not to use this month’s Budget to punish workers for the horrendous failings of Conservative economic policy, by imposing unfair tax rises and damaging public service cuts.

“Workers need a government that will make a real difference to their lives, as they desperately struggle to make ends meet in the midst of a cost of living crisis. This month’s Budget should focus on tackling soaring inflation, including a long-term strategy on energy prices while at the same time raising income levels, including ensuring that minimum wage rates and Universal Credit rise by at least the level of inflation.

“Our members need a new deal for workers, which could help give working people the protections they deserve; a new deal that will end low-paid insecure employment, giving workers the dignity of a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. Keir Starmer offers the hope and change our members need. The time is up for the Tories, we need a general election and a Labour Government to put Britain back on track.”