The chancellor has decided to raise employers’ national insurance contributions. Analysts at Goldman Sachs say this will start affecting wages next year.

They suggest wage growth could slow by the end of the year. 

“We expect consumer spending growth to moderate in H2 next year as real disposable income growth falls back,” the analysts said. 

“This partly reflects slowing real wage growth; we expect private sector pay increases to cool, partly because of the employer national insurance contributions increase being passed on to consumers.

“Net interest is likely to become a headwind as effective mortgage rates continue to drift up while deposit rates gradually decline. And there is likely to be a continued drag on disposable income from the ongoing freeze on personal income tax thresholds.”

The items that food banks need most this Christmas

With a tough winter under way, food shoppers are being encouraged to donate shopping items to those most in need.

Supermarket Aldi has listed the most in-demand items that food banks will be seeking, with research by charity Neighbourly indicating usage jumps as much as 80% over the festive period. 

Here’s the list in full:

• Tinned food
• Festive treats
• Toiletries
• Tea/coffee
• Breakfast cereals
• Juices and soft drinks
• UHT milk
• Laundry and cleaning products
• Rice and pasta
• Cooking sauces / oils / condiments
• Children’s gifts such as toys, crafts and games
• Pet food

Shoppers are encouraged to drop off any items they can in donation points in Aldi stores – and virtually all rival supermarkets also have similar drop-off points.