date: 1 October 2008

embargo: For immediate release

TUC reaction to CIPS survey on manufacturing output

Responding to today's figures on manufacturing output, announced by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'Today's figures from the CIPS are depressing. Just when manufacturing seemed to be enjoying some good news after years of contraction, we now find that output, orders and jobs are all falling.

'With confidence low and borrowing expensive, domestic demand was always likely to take a hit. But today's figures confirm that overseas markets are also feeling the pressure and UK exports, usually a strength for manufacturing, are suffering as a result.

'An interest rate cut next week would give a welcome boost to manufacturers. In the longer term, an intelligent industrial strategy focusing on skills and innovation, but also targeted at sectors where the UK can enjoy competitive economic advantage, is needed.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

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

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 1 Oct 2008