Workers 'fighting hard to stand still'

Wage growth slowed according to the latest figures published today (January 16) but pay is still outpacing inflation.

Average weekly wage growth, which excludes bonuses, slid to 6.6 per cent in three months to November from 7.3 per cent in the previous month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported.

But with inflation falling more rapidly than wage growth – RPI inflation now stands at 5.3 per cent – earnings are continuing to grow in real terms.

Commenting, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Today’s ONS figures prove unions are delivering the goods. But with real wages still lower now than they were in 1997, workers are having to fight hard just to stand still.”

New figures also showed that the number of vacancies has dropped to 934,000, with businesses hiring at a slower pace. Unemployment remains unchanged at 4.2 per cent.

Graham added that however the most recent wage and unemployment figures stand, the economy remains broken.

 She said, “We’re facing an economy blighted by profiteering, sky-high energy prices and disruption to global supply chains. Even though this government is determined to use anti-trade union laws to make workers pay for this crisis, Unite will not let that stop us from continuing to win at the workplace.”

Later this month on Saturday, January 27, Unite will join the TUC at a national march and rally in Cheltenham to protect the right to strike. The demonstration comes after the government earlier last year passed new anti-strike legislation, called the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act, which has further restricted to the right to strike for over five million workers.

You can find out more about the event, and how you can take part, on our webpage here. Unite will provide free transport for its members.

By Hajera Blagg