Real wages fell by 0.5% in the three months to May compared to last year, official figures published today have revealed.

This is a result of inflation soaring to a four-year high of 2.9% in May.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable commented:

“Families across the country are struggling as prices rise and real wages continue to fall.

“The government must take note and rethink its extreme approach to Brexit.

“Nobody voted to make themselves poorer, but it is the public that will pay the price if the UK is dragged out of the single market and customs union.

“If Theresa May is serious about helping just about managing families, she will agree to soften her approach to Brexit and put people’s jobs and living standards first.”