Consumer prices rose by a staggering 10.4% in the year to February.
A 5% pay rise for NHS workers is being dwarfed by astronomical living costs.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), consumer prices rose by a staggering 10.4% in the year to February.
Despite economists previously suggesting inflation would fall, the ONS is today suggesting it is being driven by the high price of electricity, gas, food and non-alcoholic beverages. A single can of Heinz Baked Beanz has hit a whopping £1.40, nearly double 2018 prices.
Inflation will not return to pre-pandemic levels until well into 2024, the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggests.
The news comes just days after NHS workers were offered a “terrible” 5% pay rise by Ministers for the 2023/24 financial year. The pay offer equates in real terms to around an additional £1,150 a year for most nurses.
Health unions are currently in the process of consulting their members on if to accept the proposed deal or if they should resume industrial action.
Food prices are rising especially fast.
One nurse and single parent to three children told NursingNotes she was having to eat her children’s leftovers. She explained, “On my lunch break at work I go out for a walk so colleagues can’t see that I’m not eating.”
Adding, “there is a problem with the drainage outside I can’t afford to fix so avoid going out at the same time as neighbours.. Just a sense of shame”.
Another nurse explained she had to work two jobs. “I worked contracted hours to pay my overheads and just over part-time hours in the bank to pay nursery fees,” she explained.
Trades Union Congress (TUC) General Secretary Paul Nowak says a “comprehensive plan” is needed to increase wages further.
“Families are still under massive pressure from the rising cost of living, with food prices rising especially fast. But they got next to no help from last week’s budget.
“We need a comprehensive plan to get wages rising across the economy, and to boost social security. That’s how we build an economy that rewards work not wealth.”
