One in eight workers struggling to afford food

A new survey by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has found that one in eight workers are skipping meals to make ends meet, as a result of stagnant wages.

Ahead of the TUCs annual conference, the poll also revealed that one in six workers have left the heating off when it was cold to save on energy bills, while almost half of the 3,2000 workers questions are concerned about their ability to meet basic household expenses like food, transport and energy.

The poll, conducted by GQR, adds extra pressure on Prime Minister Theresa May, who pledged in her election manifesto an intention to support the ‘just about managing’ families.

Frances O’Grady, TUC general secretary, said: “When you come home from a long day at work, you shouldn’t have to worry whether you can afford to eat. Having a job should provide you with a decent life, but it’s not even covering the basics for many.

“Ten years on from the crash, working families are on a financial cliff edge. Pay packets are worth less and less, but bills keep rising and personal debt is at crisis levels. The government’s inaction must not last. Ministers can raise wages by scrapping public sector pay restrictions, investing to create great jobs across the country and increasing the minimum wage.”