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Rising cost of living leaving workers vulnerable

March 31, 2009    Posted in: Debt News
UK consumers could be facing greater debt as the price of imported goods rises against a backdrop of falling wages and property prices. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) has revealed that inflation unexpectedly rose last month from 3% to 3.2%, largely due to the increasing cost of items brought in from abroad. Toys, fruit and vegetables are among those goods that have risen in price. Supermarkets purchasing foodstuffs from overseas are facing a higher basic cost of items due to the weak pound, and also poor harvests in countries including Spain. A spokesperson from the association also revealed that many high street stores have reversed the cut in VAT to 15%, pushing up the price of many everyday purchases. Conversely, the Retail Price Index (RPI) has fallen to zero for the first time in nearly 50 years, mainly because of a significant drop in mortgage repayments. The statistics bring good news to those with state pensions or on benefits, as these payments were calculated based on September’s 5% inflation rate. Graduates that took out their student loan before 1998 are also set to gain from the figures, as the interest rate on their outstanding balance tracks the RPI. Britain’s inflationary problems could have negative effects for workers, as more companies may resort to wage freezes or cuts to cope with impending deflation. Workers could also be at risk of accumulating greater debts, as the CPI results mean the price of goods may continue to rise as they struggle to adjust to wage depression. People facing debt problems should seek financial help or advice before their problems escalate out of control.
March 31, 2009    Posted in: Debt News

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