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JRF - Living standards squeeze is taking hold, despite record employment
Campbell Robb, chief executive of the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), responded to yesterday’s ONS figures on employment and earnings
“It is encouraging that employment continues to rise and has reached another record high. But even people who are in work are facing a tough time to make ends meet as a living standards squeeze takes hold.
“Inflation has crept higher, pay has fallen for the first time since 2014 and working-age benefits are frozen, meaning people on low incomes will feel the squeeze in their pockets.
“The challenge now for the next government is to build on record employment so work provides a route to economic security.
“This means taking action so people can improve their prospects and progress in work; that employment and pay rise in all parts of the UK, and ensuring people’s incomes keep pace with the cost of essentials.”
