Miliband ‘aims to save middle class’

The Opposition leader said a “strong and vibrant” middle class was essential for the country’s success but its foundations were being undermined.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph Mr Miliband said the squeeze on living standards was not just affecting the poorest but meant a “struggle” for those in the middle.

Ahead of a major speech on the economy later this week, the Labour leader said: “Our country cannot succeed and become collectively better off unless Britain has a strong and vibrant middle class.”

Acknowledging the long history to the problem, he said: “There has been a hollowing-out of those white-collar professions that used to keep the middle class strong.

“According to government figures, the occupations that have suffered the largest falls in employment over the past 30 years are all in the middle.”

But, he added: “Under David Cameron, life is getting tougher still. In the past three years, getting on for half of the new jobs created have been in low-pay industries and the average worker is now £1,600 worse off than before the election.”

As the economy has recovered, Labour has shifted the focus of its attack on the Government to the rising cost of living, with prices rising faster than wages.