Ballots for strikes among public sector workers will be "inevitable" unless there are negotiated settlements in the coming pay round. The GMB Trade-Union said average earnings have fallen in real value by almost 13% since 2008, while household bills are "going through the roof". Average earnings have risen by 2% since April 2008, while inflation has jumped by 14.8% over the same period.
Officials want to hold negotiations over a wage rise for public sector employees from April even though the Government has announced a cap on increases.
GMB general secretary Paul Kenny said: "These figures explain why we are on our way to a triple-dip recession. Consumer spending is the single biggest component of demand in the economy and with the real value of wages from employment falling, there is no mystery as to why the economy is in a downward spiral. The replacing of full-time permanent jobs with part-time and temporary lower-paid jobs is part of this.
The GMB Trade-Union is seeking negotiated settlements in the forthcoming pay round in the public sector. If such settlements are not on offer, ballots for strike action will be inevitable.
Such settlements are badly needed to boost the economy and stop the downward spiral. Pay rises are needed to help hard-pressed families cope with bills going through the roof."
