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02/02/2011

Why the middle classes are being squeezed, comedian Tom Wrigglesworth becomes a consumer champion and the growth of the hybrid store.

The squeezed middle class is struggling to thrive in the modern market economy. More than half say they find it tough to keep up with household bills or have less than one month's income in savings, but just who are they? Winifred heads to Northamptonshire to find out.

In the wake of the thousands of job cuts a new type of shop is set for rapid expansion. We look at the rise of the hybrid store.

And stand-up comedian Tom Wrigglesworth tells us what turned him on to being a consumer champion.

Available now

53 minutes

Last on

Wed 2 Feb 2011 12:00

Chapters

  • New Mental Health Strategy launch

    The Government's new Mental Health Strategy focuses on 'talking therapies'.

    Duration: 10:39

  • Discount Shopping

    The owners of the 99p Stores group are rapidly expanding their chain with a new type of hybrid store called Family Bargains.

    Duration: 08:47

  • Tom Wrigglesworth - Consumer Champ

    What pushes an ordinary citizen to become a consumer champion? For Tom Wrigglesworth it was when he went to the rescue of an elderly women over a ticketing mistake.

    Duration: 07:19

  • Who are the 'squeezed middle'?

    We speak to the think tank that coined the phrase and find out why the middle are feeling squeezed.

    Duration: 13:22

  • Face the Facts Preview

    Is the GMC the right organisation to regulate the medical profession? A major report which recommended radical reform of the GMC has been quietly shelved.

    Duration: 03:51

  • Heating Oil Update

    OFT have announced that they are bringing forward their investigation into the heating oil and LPG gas markets.

    Duration: 05:30

Broadcasts

  • Wed 2 Feb 2011 12:00
  • Wed 2 Feb 2011 12:04

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