Workplace Report December 2023

Bargaining news

Unions respond to fall in inflation

As RPI inflation fell to 6.1% and CPI to 4.6% in November, major unions responded to the announcement by saying that many workers and communities remain in crisis. “Inflation is still far too high. The abject political failure to tackle rampant profiteering means that workers now face another winter of sky-high bills,” Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite general union, stated.

"Energy prices are 50% higher for consumers after two years of this crisis. Big business is driving inflation while our communities are left exposed to an ongoing crisis that is not of their making."

Meanwhile, Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB general union, commented that the figures "will be cold comfort to people who are struggling to make ends meet."

"Prices are still surging and the cost of food is a third higher than it was two years ago", he added.