TUC – slump in retail shows “cost of living pressures” are far from over 

ONS poll shows that over half of adults (55%) reported that their cost of living had increased over the last month.

Commenting on figures published by the ONS today (Friday) which show retail sales fell by 2.3% in April, TUC General Secretary, Paul Nowak said:

“We need people to be able to spend in their local economies to boost growth and businesses. That’s the only way we’ll be able to achieve a sustainable recovery.

“But today’s slump in retail sales shows that families are still struggling with the cost of living crisis – with millions having to cut back.

“The huge pressure on household budgets is far from over. A toxic combination of soaring prices – and 14 years of flatlining wages – has shredded incomes.

“The Conservatives can brag all they like about their plan working. But the British public are not fools.

“Many bills are still going up and real wages are still worth less than in 2008.”

Separate polling from the ONS published today shows that over half of adults (55%) reported that their cost of living had increased over the last month.

Only 3% cent reported their cost of living had decreased.