David Cameron wants you to believe he’s the workers’ friend. Don’t fall for it | Frances O’Grady

Average wages have decreased in real terms under the present government. Expect more of the same - and worse - if the Tories are re-elected

Which party is most trusted to be on the side of working people? This is set to be a defining question of the general election campaign. Even the Conservatives want to pose as the worker's new best friend. David Cameron's recent appeal to business leaders to play nicely and give their staff a pre-election wage boost is their latest bid to shake off a reputation as the party of the rich.

But Cameron's imitation of the TUC's slogan "Britain needs a pay rise" was more theft than flattery. After all, the prime minister has presided over the longest squeeze on real earnings since the 1850s. And as nurses, firefighters and other public workers suffering real pay cuts can testify, this government has failed to practise what the prime minister preached.

Related: Yes, David Cameron, Britain needs a pay rise - so cough up | Simon Jenkins

Related: Low-pay Britain, where working families have to rent a fridge

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