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The squeezed middle
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As the middle classes come under pressure worldwide, the FT examines how a polarised labour force and rising wage inequalities are adding to political and economic tensions
Squeezed middle feels pinch even in high-tech M4 corridor
The Collier family is economising, as they grapple with pay freezes, higher pension contributions and rising expenses
Times grow harder for the US working man
Falling union membership has coincided with a drop in real-terms pay in recent years, with official data showing downward pressures spreading
Italy says ciao to dolce vita in austerity era
Financial pressure and discontent are rising after the latest €54bn austerity budget, which raises taxes for ordinary Italians
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Series overview
Spectre of stagnating incomes stalks globe
A polarised labour force and rising wage inequalities are raising political and economic tensions
Top dogs take bigger slice of spoils
US wage growth for the middle stalls
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