WORKERS could be feeling the squeeze this Christmas, according to research by the TUC showing families in Swindon are £54 worse off compared to 10 years ago.

The TUC South West has analysed figures from the Office of National Statistics showing an 11 per cent fall in average pay in Swindon since the financial crash, or £54 a week worse off.

The union says workers are suffering the longest real wage squeeze in more than 200 years, with average pay packets not set to recover to their 2008 level until 2024.

Nigel Costley, south west TUC regional secretary said: “The government has failed to tackle Britain’s cost of living crisis. As a result, families are really feeling the squeeze this Christmas.”

“Childcare costs are rising. Cuts to buses and other public services continue. It is no wonder people are fed up.”

“Ministers need to wake up and start listening to working people. We need to see public servants get the pay rise they’ve earned, and unions given the right to bargain in more workplaces. And we need to get the minimum wage to £10 an hour as soon as possible.”

“Austerity has failed families and damaged local economies. It’s time for a change that will boost earnings and restore services. What people really want for Christmas is a decent pay rise.”

In total, the average worker in the South West has lost out on £14,420 in real earnings since 2008, the worst hit UK region after London.

The TUC is a federation of affiliated unions representing around 5.6 million workers across the UK.