Benefits charity Turn2Us challenged Tory claims that the economy was improving yesterday after revealing working families were being plunged further into poverty.

The charity carried out a survey which showed that 57 per cent of low-income workers survey said they felt that feel their financial situation has worsened in the last year.

It reveals that working households spend half their monthly income on utility bills and food, while outgoings outweigh earnings for nearly two-fifths of families.

Part-time teacher Natalie turned to the charity after falling into debt despite her husband also working full-time.

She is among workers who are now £40 worse off every week than before the 2008 financial crash, according to the TUC.

General secretary Frances O’Grady said a real recovery remains a “distant prospect” despite new figures revealed inflation fell to a four-year low of 1.6 per cent in March.

“A real recovery will deliver rising real wages and generate decent jobs with good pay, security and prospects,” said Ms O’Grady.