麻豆社

Labour shortages and the cost of living are leading the news for the first time in years. There are predictions that the biggest pay squeeze in decades is imminent. So in this new three-part series for 麻豆社 Radio 4, documentary-maker Phil Tinline traces the ups and downs of the politics of pay in Britain since 1945. How did we get here? And what can our history tell us about where we might now be heading?

Our way into this story is through British winters. When workers are powerless, winter puts them under greater pressure. When they have power, winter gives them greater bargaining leverage.