Jansev Jemal, Director of Research and Policy at Pro Bono Economics, said:

“The national pay squeeze has trudged into its 17th consecutive month. Meanwhile, another drop in the number of vacancies and a slight increase in unemployment suggest that the labour market is continuing to weaken.

“Pressures on hours worked and pay are reflected in growing demand for charity support. The number of people referred by Citizens Advice to charitable support and food banks in the first three months of 2023 was 23% higher than the same period last year. Citizens Advice referred just short of 30,000 people for support in March, its highest-ever one-month total.

“While the nation’s charities continue to step up, unprecedented demand is crashing into a rapid erosion of their income due to soaring inflation. Against this backdrop, it is vital policymakers recognise and respond to the challenges facing charities straining to support the most vulnerable.”

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