date: 8 May 2008

embargo: For immediate release

TUC on May interest rates decision

Commenting on the decision today (Thursday) of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee to hold interest rates at 5%, TUC Head of Economic and Social Affairs Adam Lent said:

'This decision was expected after April's cut. But with new official figures showing manufacturing output is falling and continuing concerns in the housing market, the Bank should be prepared to cut base rates again soon.'

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Press release (200 words) issued 8 May 2008