The largest trade union in the United Kingdom has warned that healthcare staff in the country is calling in sick to work as they cannot afford to cars with petrol.

“[Petrol price rises are] having a big impact on people with jobs that mean they have to travel. So community health workers, health visitors, care workers, social workers … are saying they just cannot afford to do their jobs any more,” said Christina McAnea, general secretary of the public services union Unison, told 'The Guardian'.

“We’re actually hearing of people who would rather phone in sick because they don’t have the money to fill up their cars and do their jobs. And more and more people are leaving public services, even in local government. There’s huge vacancies across local government.”

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With the cost of a tank of fuel hitting a record £100 due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK's economy is “steering into the wind”.

According to McAnea, ''We don’t want to bring low-paid workers out on strike. But if there’s no alternative, what else can people do?''

“If we’ve got a government where they are getting 2-3 per cent&nbsp;pay increases and we’ve got inflation running at 10% or even more by the end of the year and they already pay a disproportionate amount of their income on fuel, housing, energy and food costs, if you are low paid worker … that has a huge impact on people.”

British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak is facing criticism due to mounting cost of living and inflation after analysts warned of a “wage-price spiral”.

“We don’t want to inconvenience people and we know that has a huge impact on people. But there comes a point where there’s no alternative,” McAnea said.&nbsp;

“The same thing could happen in England and Wales. I’m not saying there will be strikes tomorrow, but there’s a lot of anger out there, and people become more desperate,” she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The largest trade union in the United Kingdom has warned that healthcare staff in the country is calling in sick to work as they cannot afford to cars with petrol.

The largest trade union in the United Kingdom has warned that healthcare staff in the country is calling in sick to work as they cannot afford to cars with petrol. “[Petrol price rises are] having a big impact on people with jobs that mean they have to travel. So community health workers, health visitors, care workers, social workers … are saying they just cannot afford to do their jobs any more,” said Christina McAnea, general secretary of the public services union Unison, told 'The Guardian'. “We’re actually hearing of people who would rather phone in sick because they don’t have the money to fill up their cars and do their jobs. And more and more people are leaving public services, even in local government. There’s huge vacancies across local government.” With the cost of a tank of fuel hitting a record £100 due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK's economy is “steering into the wind”. According to McAnea, ''We don’t want to bring low-paid workers out on strike. But if there’s no alternative, what else can people do?'' “If we’ve got a government where they are getting 2-3 per cent pay increases and we’ve got inflation running at 10% or even more by the end of the year and they already pay a disproportionate amount of their income on fuel, housing, energy and food costs, if you are low paid worker … that has a huge impact on people.” British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak is facing criticism due to mounting cost of living and inflation after analysts warned of a “wage-price spiral”. “We don’t want to inconvenience people and we know that has a huge impact on people. But there comes a point where there’s no alternative,” McAnea said. “The same thing could happen in England and Wales. I’m not saying there will be strikes tomorrow, but there’s a lot of anger out there, and people become more desperate,” she added. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

UK's largest trade union warns healthcare staff calling in sick as they cannot afford to fill cars with petrol

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under fire amid a rise in prices as official data showed on Wednesday (May 18) that the inflation rate in the country has surged to a 40-year high on soaring energy costs.&nbsp;

UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) noted that in the country, inflation jumped to 9 per cent in the 12 months to April, which is up from 7 per cent in March. Notably, April's figure marked the highest inflation rate since 1982.&nbsp;

The data has caused concerns and sparked calls for an emergency government budget in order to combat a worsening cost-of-living crisis in the country.&nbsp;

Amid the crisis, the new chief inspector of the constabulary stated that the cost of living crisis will trigger an increase in crime. He advised that the officers should use their "discretion" in case of punishing people who might steal to eat. &nbsp;

"The impact of poverty, and the impact of lack of opportunity for people, does lead to an increase in crime. There's no two ways about that," Andy Cooke said as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

"What they've got to bear in mind is what is the best thing for the community, and that individual, in the way they deal with those issues. And I certainly fully support police officers using their discretion – and they need to use discretion more often," he added.&nbsp;

A global issue?&nbsp;

Apart from the UK, other economies are also struggling with inflation due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the lifting of coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdowns.&nbsp;

These factors have led to a rise in energy and food prices, forcing central banks including the Federal Reserve and Bank of England to hike interest rates.&nbsp;

Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition labour party slammed the Johnson government and stated that the country's PM is "choosing to let people struggle".&nbsp;

Starmer said, "Whilst he dithers British households are slapped with an extra 53 million on their energy bills every single day. Meanwhile, every single day North Sea oil and gas giants rake in 32 million in unexpected profits."

"Doesn’t he see that every single day he delays his inevitable U-turn, he’s going to do it, he’s choosing to let people struggle when they don’t need to? Starmer added.&nbsp;

Amid the looming threat of recession, the main opposition Labour party demanded an emergency budget to help the common people. Labour finance spokeswoman Rachel Reeves said, "Our country faces a cost-of-living crisis and a growth crisis. We need an emergency budget now to tackle the cost of living crisis, and we need a real plan for growth."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Tory MP in police custody: Fresh scandal for Boris government

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Sunak blames the situation on 'global challenges'

Meanwhile, finance minister Rishi Sunak insisted the state "cannot protect people completely". Sunak reacted after the alarming figures were released on Wednesday as he blamed the situation on "global challenges". He further noted that Britain was not alone in dealing with rocketing prices.&nbsp;

Speaking at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) annual dinner, Sunak said "we have a collective responsibility to help the most vulnerable" and that "we stand ready to do more". However, he warned "the economic situation is extremely serious. The next few months will be tough".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under fire amid a rise in prices as official data showed on Wednesday (May 18) that the inflation rate in the country has surged to a 40-year high on soaring energy costs.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under fire amid a rise in prices as official data showed on Wednesday (May 18) that the inflation rate in the country has surged to a 40-year high on soaring energy costs. UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) noted that in the country, inflation jumped to 9 per cent in the 12 months to April, which is up from 7 per cent in March. Notably, April's figure marked the highest inflation rate since 1982. The data has caused concerns and sparked calls for an emergency government budget in order to combat a worsening cost-of-living crisis in the country. Amid the crisis, the new chief inspector of the constabulary stated that the cost of living crisis will trigger an increase in crime. He advised that the officers should use their "discretion" in case of punishing people who might steal to eat. "The impact of poverty, and the impact of lack of opportunity for people, does lead to an increase in crime. There's no two ways about that," Andy Cooke said as quoted by The Guardian. "What they've got to bear in mind is what is the best thing for the community, and that individual, in the way they deal with those issues. And I certainly fully support police officers using their discretion – and they need to use discretion more often," he added. A global issue? Apart from the UK, other economies are also struggling with inflation due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the lifting of coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdowns. These factors have led to a rise in energy and food prices, forcing central banks including the Federal Reserve and Bank of England to hike interest rates. Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition labour party slammed the Johnson government and stated that the country's PM is "choosing to let people struggle". Starmer said, "Whilst he dithers British households are slapped with an extra 53 million on their energy bills every single day. Meanwhile, every single day North Sea oil and gas giants rake in 32 million in unexpected profits." "Doesn’t he see that every single day he delays his inevitable U-turn, he’s going to do it, he’s choosing to let people struggle when they don’t need to? Starmer added. Amid the looming threat of recession, the main opposition Labour party demanded an emergency budget to help the common people. Labour finance spokeswoman Rachel Reeves said, "Our country faces a cost-of-living crisis and a growth crisis. We need an emergency budget now to tackle the cost of living crisis, and we need a real plan for growth." WATCH | Tory MP in police custody: Fresh scandal for Boris government × Sunak blames the situation on 'global challenges' Meanwhile, finance minister Rishi Sunak insisted the state "cannot protect people completely". Sunak reacted after the alarming figures were released on Wednesday as he blamed the situation on "global challenges". He further noted that Britain was not alone in dealing with rocketing prices. Speaking at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) annual dinner, Sunak said "we have a collective responsibility to help the most vulnerable" and that "we stand ready to do more". However, he warned "the economic situation is extremely serious. The next few months will be tough". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson under fire as UK inflation rockets to 40-year high

UK inflation rose to its highest level since last 40 years, adding to pressure for action from the government and central bank. Consumer prices surged 9% in the year through April, the fastest rate since March 1982.

UK inflation rate surges to a 40-year high of 9%

McColl's a British store chain with a network of more than 1,100 convenience stores and newsagents across the United Kingdom has gone bust in face of rising inflation. This has put 16000 jobs at risk.

The company is entering administration, a process in which a failing company seeks outside assistance in order to avoid job losses.

According to Reuters, the convenience store chain's lenders have declined to provide additional cash. Last-ditch talks with supermarket behemoth Morrisons, according to reports, have also failed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-fed-makes-biggest-rate-increase-since-2000-to-fight-inflation-476460" hreflang="en">US Fed makes biggest rate increase since 2000 to fight inflation</a>

"In order to protect creditors, preserve the future of the business and to protect the interests of employees, the board was regrettably... left with no choice other than to place the company in administration," said McColl's in its statement.

For the process, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has been appointed as administrators. The collapsing company said that it expects PwC to make a sale of the business to a third-party purchaser "as soon as possible".

In a trading update last month, McColl's said it was impacted by reduced customer spending and continued supply chain disruption throughout the industry.

Watch | Bank Of England hikes interest rates to 13-year high

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The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has also suspended the group's shares, whose price gained 20 per cent on Friday amid hopes of a rescue deal.

Britain is facing a cost-of-living crisis as inflation reaches 7 per cent, the highest in thirty years.

As per a warning by the Bank of England, by the end of this year, because of rising energy prices, UK's inflation is expected to reach 10 per cent, a four-decade high.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/random-guy-named-ma-gets-detained-alibaba-loses-usd-26-billion-476568" hreflang="en">Random guy named Ma gets detained, Alibaba loses USD 26 billion</a>

The bank also warned that Britain could enter a recession, as the central bank raised its main interest rate by a quarter-point to one per cent, the highest since the 2009 global financial crisis.

Globally consumer prices have been surging as economies that have already been struggling after pandemic lockdowns, face costs aggravated by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

(With inputs from agencies)

McColl's a British store chain with a network of more than 1,100 convenience stores and newsagents across the United Kingdom has gone bust in face of rising inflation.

McColl's a British store chain with a network of more than 1,100 convenience stores and newsagents across the United Kingdom has gone bust in face of rising inflation. This has put 16000 jobs at risk. The company is entering administration, a process in which a failing company seeks outside assistance in order to avoid job losses. According to Reuters, the convenience store chain's lenders have declined to provide additional cash. Last-ditch talks with supermarket behemoth Morrisons, according to reports, have also failed. Also read | US Fed makes biggest rate increase since 2000 to fight inflation "In order to protect creditors, preserve the future of the business and to protect the interests of employees, the board was regrettably... left with no choice other than to place the company in administration," said McColl's in its statement. For the process, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has been appointed as administrators. The collapsing company said that it expects PwC to make a sale of the business to a third-party purchaser "as soon as possible". In a trading update last month, McColl's said it was impacted by reduced customer spending and continued supply chain disruption throughout the industry. Watch | Bank Of England hikes interest rates to 13-year high The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has also suspended the group's shares, whose price gained 20 per cent on Friday amid hopes of a rescue deal. Britain is facing a cost-of-living crisis as inflation reaches 7 per cent, the highest in thirty years. As per a warning by the Bank of England, by the end of this year, because of rising energy prices, UK's inflation is expected to reach 10 per cent, a four-decade high. Also read | Random guy named Ma gets detained, Alibaba loses USD 26 billion The bank also warned that Britain could enter a recession, as the central bank raised its main interest rate by a quarter-point to one per cent, the highest since the 2009 global financial crisis. Globally consumer prices have been surging as economies that have already been struggling after pandemic lockdowns, face costs aggravated by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's convenience store chain McColl's goes bust due to inflation; 1,100 stores and 16,000 jobs at risk

Higher energy costs, rising demand, and supply chain concerns drove up consumer prices in December, pushing the UK inflation rate to a 30-year high.

Inflation rose to 5.4 per cent on an annual basis, the highest level since March 1992, and up from 5.1 per cent in November, which was also a decade high.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected an increase of 5.2%.

Consumer prices increased 0.5 per cent on a monthly basis, exceeding economists' expectations of a 0.3 percent increase.

The rising cost of living has fueled speculation that the Bank of England will raise interest rates once more.

The Bank of England became the first major central bank to begin raising borrowing costs from pandemic-era lows in December.&nbsp;

Following the 15-basis-point raise to 0.25 percent in December, markets will be watching the Monetary Policy Committee's next meeting on Feb. 3. Policymakers are expected to contemplate another rate hike.

The bank is also working in a labour market that is unusually tight, with vacancies at an all-time high and employment still below pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;

British inflation is widely expected to peak in April, when regulated household energy bills look set to increase by around 50%. Last month, the BoE forecast a peak of around 6%, but now some economists see 7% as more likely.

BoE Governor Andrew Bailey is due to speak to a parliamentary committee at 1415 GMT, and the bank will publish new inflation forecasts on Feb. 3. Its last set in November showed inflation staying above its 2% target until late 2024.

Rising inflation is also turning into a political problem for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government, which faces calls from the opposition and charities to offset the rise in energy bills, which comes at the same time as a tax increase on wages to fund higher health and social care spending.

(With inputs from agencies)

Higher energy costs, rising demand, and supply chain concerns drove up consumer prices in December, pushing the UK inflation rate to a 30-year high. Inflation rose to 5.

Higher energy costs, rising demand, and supply chain concerns drove up consumer prices in December, pushing the UK inflation rate to a 30-year high. Inflation rose to 5.4 per cent on an annual basis, the highest level since March 1992, and up from 5.1 per cent in November, which was also a decade high. Economists polled by Reuters had expected an increase of 5.2%. Consumer prices increased 0.5 per cent on a monthly basis, exceeding economists' expectations of a 0.3 percent increase. The rising cost of living has fueled speculation that the Bank of England will raise interest rates once more. The Bank of England became the first major central bank to begin raising borrowing costs from pandemic-era lows in December. Following the 15-basis-point raise to 0.25 percent in December, markets will be watching the Monetary Policy Committee's next meeting on Feb. 3. Policymakers are expected to contemplate another rate hike. The bank is also working in a labour market that is unusually tight, with vacancies at an all-time high and employment still below pre-pandemic levels. British inflation is widely expected to peak in April, when regulated household energy bills look set to increase by around 50%. Last month, the BoE forecast a peak of around 6%, but now some economists see 7% as more likely. BoE Governor Andrew Bailey is due to speak to a parliamentary committee at 1415 GMT, and the bank will publish new inflation forecasts on Feb. 3. Its last set in November showed inflation staying above its 2% target until late 2024. Rising inflation is also turning into a political problem for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government, which faces calls from the opposition and charities to offset the rise in energy bills, which comes at the same time as a tax increase on wages to fund higher health and social care spending. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain inflation rate jumps to 30-year high of 5.4% as cost pressures continue

The United Kingdom's inflation rose to 5.4 per cent in December, reaching the highest level in almost 30 years.

UK inflation hits highest in nearly 30 years

British annual inflation dropped faster than expected in October to a near three-year low at 1.5 per cent as lower energy prices offset rising prices for clothes, official data showed Wednesday.

The Consumer Prices Index 12-month rate, the lowest since November 2016, compared with 1.7 per cent in September, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement published ahead of next month's UK general election.

Analysts' consensus forecast had been for a drop to 1.6 per cent.

"Admittedly, the drop mainly reflected a slump in energy inflation and so was not a reflection of a weakening in underlying inflationary pressures," noted Ruth Gregory, senior UK economist at Capital Economics research group.

"Overall, the figures do little to change our view that inflation will spend more time below (the Bank of England's target of) 2.0 per cent than above it in 2020 and that if Brexit is delayed further, interest rates will be cut, in May," she added.

The pound meanwhile showed little reaction to the latest inflation data.

"For the third day running we've had some news that could have caused some selling in the pound, but the currency has remained largely unperturbed with economic data still playing second fiddle to political developments in terms of moving the markets," said David Cheetham, chief market analyst at XTB trading group.

Official data Tuesday showed British unemployment hitting 3.8 per cent, a fresh 45-year low. &nbsp;&nbsp;

And on Monday, the ONS said that Britain's economy avoided recession in the third quarter, with growth of 0.3 per cent.&nbsp;

British annual inflation dropped faster than expected in October to a near three-year low at 1.5 per cent as lower energy prices offset rising prices for clothes, official data showed Wednesday.

British annual inflation dropped faster than expected in October to a near three-year low at 1.5 per cent as lower energy prices offset rising prices for clothes, official data showed Wednesday. The Consumer Prices Index 12-month rate, the lowest since November 2016, compared with 1.7 per cent in September, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement published ahead of next month's UK general election. Analysts' consensus forecast had been for a drop to 1.6 per cent. "Admittedly, the drop mainly reflected a slump in energy inflation and so was not a reflection of a weakening in underlying inflationary pressures," noted Ruth Gregory, senior UK economist at Capital Economics research group. "Overall, the figures do little to change our view that inflation will spend more time below (the Bank of England's target of) 2.0 per cent than above it in 2020 and that if Brexit is delayed further, interest rates will be cut, in May," she added. The pound meanwhile showed little reaction to the latest inflation data. "For the third day running we've had some news that could have caused some selling in the pound, but the currency has remained largely unperturbed with economic data still playing second fiddle to political developments in terms of moving the markets," said David Cheetham, chief market analyst at XTB trading group. Official data Tuesday showed British unemployment hitting 3.8 per cent, a fresh 45-year low. And on Monday, the ONS said that Britain's economy avoided recession in the third quarter, with growth of 0.3 per cent.

UK inflation falls faster than expected in October

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