Addressing conference delegates in Brighton, Jane Jones – Usdaw President said: “This country is facing a devastating energy crisis and after their latest U-turn, the Government’s so-called energy price guarantee will now only last for six months. Not much of a guarantee after all. The Government has snatched away the little bit of certainty we had. Our bills have already increased massively.
 
“Usdaw's research has found that one in four low paid workers are already missing meals every month, just to pay everyday bills. It's absolutely terrifying to think what will happen if those bills reach over four thousand pounds next year and we know that businesses are feeling the strain of price increases too. Many are already fighting for survival as a result of energy costs.
 
“So when workers need secure jobs, decent pay and stable hours more than ever, they are being put in peril by spiraling business costs. The Government’s energy support package for businesses will bring some relief, but, again, it only covers the next six months. So the long term picture is still fraught with uncertainty.
 
“This crisis is affecting everyone, but once again, those on the lowest incomes are being hit hardest. Usdaw's evidence shows that those on pre-payment meters, who are typically some of the poorest households, are twice as likely to be struggling to pay their energy bills. The truth is, pre-payment meters act as nothing but a poverty tax. Those who struggle to pay their bills, find themselves forced on to a pre-payment meter and then, as a result of their financial difficulties, they have to pay even more for their energy costs. This is unreasonable, unfair, and unacceptable. We welcome Labour's commitment to ending this scandalous rip-off system.
 
“It’s clear that we need a long-term plan to reduce energy bills and we need action right now, to support customers who fall into energy debt or can’t pay their bills. But what do we have? We have a Government in turmoil, an economy crashed; household incomes stretched to breaking point and beyond. This cost of living emergency must be our campaigning priority. We must stand together to protect living standards and we must stand together to protect jobs.
 
Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with around 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades.
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion