Official data shows pay rises this year leave workers no better off than in 2009 after adjustment for inflation
Unions and MPs from all parties urged the chancellor to go further in the budget to boost household incomes after official pay data showed an increase this year only returned average wages to 2009 levels.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that in the 12 years from 2009 to 2021, the inflation-adjusted level of median pay fell and then recovered to leave workers no better off.