SHOW working people the “government is on their side” by putting living standards first, unions warned Andy Burnham today after official data revealed slim economic growth in May.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak told the incoming PM that despite improvements, “people up and down the country are still struggling to get by.”

Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures published today found British gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.1 per cent in May, following a 0.1 per cent contraction the previous month.

But the data showed economic expansion amid price pressures and supply chain issues resulting from the US war on Iran.

The meagre growth came after expansion of 0.3 per cent in the services sector, partly offset by falls of 0.5 per cent in production and 0.8 per cent in construction.

“A common theme of comments received by the monthly business survey was disruption in global supply chains because of the conflict in Iran,” the ONS said.

Growth saw a sharp slowing right after a better-than-expected start to the year, with the ONS recording growth of 0.3 per cent in March before the contraction in April.

This marked the first fall in eight months following joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, launching the war which has disrupted world markets.

In the three months to May, GDP rose 0.7 per cent after upwardly revised growth of 0.8 per cent in the three months to April.

“Better growth in our economy is good news and essential for boosting jobs and incomes,” Mr Nowak said.

“But despite welcome improvements, the outlook remains uncertain — and up and down the country too many working people are still struggling to get by.”

Pointing to the energy shock caused by US President Donald Trump’s illegal war on Iran, which sent costs “through the roof” and a sharp increase in household bills, the TUC leader called on Mr Burnham to make economic relief for working people a top priority.

He said: “The new prime minister must urgently show working people that this government is on their side by making living standards his number one priority.

“That means cutting energy bills for most households — paid for by taxing banks’ eye-watering excessive profits.

“This common-sense step would put more money back in people’s pockets, give families the confidence to spend on the high street and support the economy.”