TUC Leader Urges Sir Keir Starmer to Address Cost-of-Living Crisis to Prevent Support for Reform Party
Paul Nowak, the leader of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has warned Sir Keir Starmer to urgently address the cost-of-living crisis in 2026 to prevent growing support for the Reform party. A joint study by the TUC and 38 Degrees, conducted by Survation, revealed widespread hardship, with one third of people skipping heating, one fifth skipping meals, and 80% reporting that their financial situation is not improving.
The government has been urged to raise living standards by lifting the minimum wage, cutting heating bills, keeping train fares affordable, and removing the two-child benefit cap. Nowak warned of the real danger that disillusioned voters could turn to far-right figures such as Nigel Farage if these issues are not addressed. The Reform party was described as a dead end, noted for its intentions to privatise the NHS and deregulate the City according to union leadership.
Andrea Egan was recently elected general secretary of Unison. Nowak stated he would work with her and 46 other unions in defending low-paid workers' rights. Central to these efforts is the Employment Rights Act, which includes provisions such as sick pay from day one, ending exploitative zero-hours contracts, providing workers with a union voice, and a six-month delay before unfair dismissal rights take effect. The government has been urged to implement this legislation promptly and without dilution.
The Employment Rights Act is regarded as the biggest upgrade in workers' rights in a generation. Ministers have been cautioned against compromising the act or delaying its full implementation.
