New Inflation rates for the year to January 2026

ead Office Circular No. NP/025/26

 

To all Branches and Regional Councils

 

18^th February 2026

 

Dear Colleagues

 

New Inflation rates for the year to January 2026

 

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published^[1] inflation rates for the year to January 2026. The Retail Prices Index (RPI – All Items) was 3.8%, a decrease of 0.4% on the previous month’s figure. 

 

On the alternative measures of inflation, CPI fell by 0.4% to 3.0% and CPIH also fell by 0.4% to 3.2%.

 

Your union’s policy is to use the RPI rate in all pay negotiations. Should an employer attempt to use alternative inflation measures during pay talks, please inform the National Policy department as soon as possible.

 

I would be grateful if you could bring the content of this circular to the attention of all members in your Branch.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Eddie Dempsey

General Secretary