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Commenting on today's GDP figures, Kevin Rowan, Regional Secretary of the Northern TUC said:

“Today's devastating figures are worse than we imagined, yet not a surprise given the government has been sucking investment, wages and confidence through extreme austerity measures.

date: 25 April 2012

embargo: for immediate release

Commenting on today's GDP figures, Kevin Rowan, Regional Secretary of the Northern TUC said:

'Today's devastating figures are worse than we imagined, yet not a surprise given the government has been sucking investment, wages and confidence through extreme austerity measures. Ministers now need to review all their decisions over the last two years and reflect on how they have contributed to a loss in confidence, jobs & growth. Some of the mistakes made have been breathtaking and have threatened our country's long term future in key industries.

'One thing is crystal clear - George Osborne's ideological experiment in slashing public spending and investment to try and boost growth has been proven to have failed. He needs to halt his dangerous regional pay plans that would cut wages in the North. Instead it's time for a 'Plan B' that involves significant investment in growth industries as well as utilising a hard-pressed construction sector that can employ so many out of work young people.'



NOTES TO EDITORS:

- Northern TUC press releases www.tuc.org.uk/northern national releases www.tuc.org.uk and www.twitter.com/tucnews

- Register for the TUC's press extranet: a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

- For TUC advice and information on the world of work www.workSMART.org.uk

Media contacts:

Kevin Rowan, Northern TUC Regional Secretary T: 0191 227 5565; M: 07766250074; E: krowan@tuc.org.uk

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