Average household energy bills were £1,277 last winter, they are now £2,500. Although the Government postponed the planned hike to £3,000, households will still see a £67 per month increase from 1 April as the energy bills support scheme is cut. Usdaw conducted a survey of over 7,500 members, mainly key workers, and found that:
- Over three-quarters have struggled to pay an energy bill over the past twelve months.
- 45% no longer use their household heating.
- Over four-in-ten have cut down on other essentials such as food.
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “With eye-watering prices, it is little wonder that too many are struggling to pay their energy bills. Too many low-paid workers are being forced to keep the heating off, avoid cooking meals and choose between eating and heating.
“Despite the energy price guarantee increase being postponed, the Government still allowed bills to double since last year and households will now lose the £67 per month support they’ve had through this winter. At the same time wages continue to be devalued by rising prices.
“We are in a cost of living emergency and workers need a government that will make a positive difference to their lives, as they desperately struggle to make ends meet. The failures of thirteen years of the Conservatives in government are clear for everyone to see. Only a Labour Government can put Britain back on track.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 350,000 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
www.usdaw.org.uk
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