The growing gap between rich and poor is bad for ordinary people, is felt personally by almost half the population and allows the very rich to use their power to harm the majority, according to new polling for the Fabian Review.

The poll, conducted by YouGov and supported by the TUC, shows widespread unhappiness with the way the British economy works. There is overwhelming support for companies to take a longer-term approach to investment, with 80 per cent agreeing that the private sector should recognise a wider responsibility than maximising shareholder profit.

Read an analysis of the poll in the winter Fabian Review 
Read the full polling 
Read a report in the Independent

A two to one majority (64 – 26) say that workplace rights are essential to economic success and don’t destroy jobs in well-run companies. Even Conservative voters are evenly split (46 – 48) on this key demand of many Conservative backbenchers. 

Many of the findings will make uncomfortable reading for the coalition parties as there are sharp differences between Liberal Democrat and Conservative voters on many questions – bigger on some issues than the difference between Conservative and Labour supporters.

The poll was commissioned to explore voters’ views on the economic crisis and the policies that should now be followed. Voters are very pessimistic about the economy in both the short and the long term.

Only 18 per cent expect “people like me” to be better off in ten year’s time, and only 11 per cent think that future generations will have “better jobs and better living standard than mine.”

A big majority (70 per cent) agree that “The gap between those at the top and everyone else is now too wide and is bad for ordinary people, as the very rich use their power and influence in ways that harm the majority”, with only 20 per cent choosing the alternative statement “We should not worry about the gap too much, or reduce incentives or rewards for successful people as their skills and enterprise help produce more jobs and a stronger economy. “

Fabian Society General Secretary Andrew Harrop said: “The Westminster village is misjudging the British public’s views on economic issues. A large majority support strong workplace rights, action to reduce inequality, and companies putting people before profits. Our polling shows overwhelming support for what are regarded as left-leaning views among not only Liberal Democrat and Labour supporters but also from millions of Conservative voters. On economics the Conservative leadership is totally out of touch with the mainstream.”

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “Much government policy seems aimed at making Britain more unequal with lower pay away from London, fewer rights at work for the vulnerable – particularly those in small businesses – and cuts in living standards for the many while protecting the rich few. Yet this poll shows just how unpopular this approach has become, with very strong support for decent minimum rights at work and almost half the population saying they don’t just see inequality but suffer its effects.”

For more information, go to the Fabian Review page