The TUC today (Tuesday) accused the government of “doing nothing” to stop real wages “falling of a cliff”.

Labour market figures published by the ONS today show that real wages are down by £26 per week (£114 per month) on the same period last year – the worst single month pay growth on current records.

And the figures show that the three-month average for pay growth has seen real wages fall by 3% (compared to the same time last year) – the worst slump in a decade.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Working families deserve financial security.

“But real wages are falling off a cliff as the cost of living soars.

“Millions of workers are being forced to choose between paying their bills or feeding their families. That isn’t right.

“We urgently need action to get people the pay rise they deserve. That means boosting the minimum wage, a real public sector pay rise, and the government supporting – not attacking – unions who are campaigning hard for fairer pay.

“Ministers can’t stand by and do nothing while families all around the country suffer.

“It’s time to demand better. That’s why I’ll be marching across London on Saturday, with other trade union leaders, community organisations and thousands of frontline workers. Please join us.”