Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaking during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London, September 9, 2026
ANDY BURNHAM must “go further and faster” in the coming months to turn around the stark and structural economic problems faced by Britain, the general secretary of the TUC warned today.
Paul Nowak acknowledged the Prime Minister started his time in Westminster with positive steps such as the bus fare cap and the VAT cut on energy bills.
But ahead of the 158th annual TUC conference next week starting on Sunday, Mr Nowak told Mr Burnham to be “unapologetically” laser-focused in shifting power towards working people.
“Whether it’s sky-high energy bills, insecure work or stagnant wages — too many are struggling to get by and feel like the odds are stacked against them,” the TUC leader said.
“This has profound consequences for the country at large and faith in democracy.
“The Prime Minister has been quick out of the blocks with measures to ease the cost of living.
“That’s been the right approach — but challenges the country faces are so stark that it will take time to turn things around for good.”
Research cited by the TUC found the vast majority (81 per cent) of the population believe workers should earn a decent wage, be treated with dignity and respect, and have secure terms and conditions at work.
And the cost of living and energy bills remain at the top of peoples’ priorities, according to the Hold Sway polling.
It found that over half (56 per cent) said the cost of living was their number one concern for government.
Mr Nowak demanded the PM move towards “taxing banks’ enormous profits to cut bills.”
He added: “It means tackling the scourge of insecure work by delivering the Make Work Pay agenda in full and it means tackling the youth unemployment crisis by delivering good quality work in every corner of the country.
“That’s the way to create a fairer, more united Britain, restore faith in mainstream politics and create a stronger economy.”
It comes as think tank Compass collated 70 policy options from 15 left-wing thinkers meant to help Mr Burnham deliver on his promise to end 40 years of neoliberalism ahead of the Autumn Budget.
They included introducing a wealth tax, universal free personal social care and bringing electricity and gas into public ownership.
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