The Squeezed Middle: The Pressure on Ordinary Workers in America and BritainParker, Sophia As wages stagnate but living costs keep rising, the pressure on working people grows more intense. The issue of living standards has become one of the most urgent challenges for politicians in both Britain and America. 'The squeezed middle' brings together experts from both sides of the Atlantic to ask what the UK can learn from the US. American workers have not benefited from growth for an entire generation - the average American worker earned no more in 2009 than in 1975. Now British workers are undergoing a similar experience. No longer can they assume that when the economy grows their wages will grow with it. This collection brings together for the first time leading economic and policy thinkers to analyse the impact of different policies on those on low-to middle incomes and to explain what lessons the UK can learn from America's 'lost generation'. This timely book is essential reading for everyone concerned about the living standards crisis, an issue which could decide elections as well as shaping the future for millions of working families. |
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advancement affordable American approach Available benefits better Budget capital Center challenges changes chapter child childcare compared continue costs countries create cuts decade distribution early earners earnings economic effects EITC employment evidence example families federal Figure findings forms funding future gains given greater growing growth households housing impact important improve incentives income Income Tax increase individual inequality Institute investment labour market less levels limited living standards London lower median middle class middle-income million minimum wage non-standard offer opportunities organisations paid parents participants political positive productivity programmes progressive protection rates receive recent redistribution reforms require Research Resolution Foundation result rising risk savings sector share shows significant social spending strategies Studies Table tax credits University welfare workers