By John Ikani
Boris Johnson says Britain will get through the cost-of-living crisis and “come through on the other side strongly” – as thousands of people gathered to start marching to call for action over spiralling price rises.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC), which organised the event, says workers have lost almost £20,000 since 2008 because pay has not kept pace with inflation.
The TUC said it was the biggest “real wage” loss since 1830, adding that the pay “slump” showed little sign of slowing.
Banners with inscription berating the rising cost of living were seen as hundreds of protesters marched in central London to demand action from the Government to combat the cost-of-living crisis.
The crowds are heading to Parliament Square for a rally with speakers including Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC, which is organising the event.
Communities secretary Michael Gove warned on Thursday that the country was facing “tough times” after the Bank of England forecast inflation is set to hit 11 per cent as it raised interest rates to 1.25 per cent.
At RAF Brize Norton after visiting Kyiv, Mr Johnson said: “I sympathise very much with everybody who is facing pressures caused by the cost of living. We will get through it. We will come through the other side strongly.”
The Prime Minister denied that a £21 billion package from Chancellor Rishi Sunak would add to inflationary pressures.
“We don’t believe that this support is inflationary. We believe it will go to people who need it. We think it is completely the right thing to do,” he said.
Treasury Chief Secretary Simon Clarke said on Friday that pay demands that seek to match the rate of inflation risked creating a 1970s-style wage-price spiral, pushing prices in the shops even higher.
