The head of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has issued a stark warning to the Government, demanding a "relentless focus" on the cost-of-living crisis throughout 2026. Paul Nowak, the union's General Secretary, stated that ministers must provide tangible hope for struggling households or risk fuelling the rise of far-right populism.
Survey Reveals Deepening Affordability Crisis
Nowak's New Year's message was informed by a sobering survey of more than 2,000 adults across the UK. The findings paint a grim picture of an ongoing affordability emergency, despite the issue receiving less media attention.
The key statistics from the poll are alarming:
- One in five respondents admitted to skipping meals every day or most days.
- One in three have been forced to cut back on heating their homes.
- A overwhelming four in five believe their financial situation is either stagnant or deteriorating.
"The cost-of-living crisis might not be in the headlines any more, but for too many people change still feels like a slogan," Nowak commented. He emphasised that the public's primary desire is to see a genuine improvement in their living standards.
Political Warnings and Policy Demands
In an interview with the Press Association, Nowak argued that every Government policy decision in 2026 must demonstrate it is on the side of working people. He acknowledged some positive steps, such as increases to the minimum wage and new employment rights, but insisted the administration must be "bolder" in its actions.
He directly linked economic hardship to the erosion of trust in mainstream politics. "It is fuelling the rise of the bitter and nasty politics of the right, poisoning our national conversation and leaving Britain angrier, more anxious and more divided," Nowak stated.
He singled out figures like Nigel Farage, accusing them of having no interest in making life more affordable for ordinary families. "The only incomes he wants to make bigger are his own and those of his corporate donors," Nowak claimed, adding that the interests of "Thailand-based crypto investors" are not aligned with those of the British public.
A Call for Union Growth and Economic Security
Despite ongoing industrial disputes, Nowak contended the country is not experiencing the same wave of strikes seen under the previous Conservative government, which he blamed for exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.
He made a strong case for the role of trade unions in rebuilding economic security. "A growing trade union movement is good for the economy," Nowak asserted. "It’s no coincidence that insecurity and inequality have surged as union membership has fallen."
His concluding rallying cry was clear: "We must use new collective rights to grow again, at scale, and win working people the fairer share they’ve been denied for far too long. 2026 must be the year we start turning economic security into a lived reality."
