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date: 9 June 2009

embargo: For immediate release

Workers still fear for their jobs despite talk of green shoots, says TUC

With some commentators claiming that economic indicators in the last few days suggest that the worst of the recession may soon be behind us, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said today (Tuesday):

'Some now say that the UK economy may start to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but that is not the experience of the thousands of people who have lost their jobs since the start of the year.

'Yesterday 800 jobs went at LDV in Birmingham and another 1,660 people are losing their jobs today with the closure of Cheltenham & Gloucester branches across the country. These workers will be desperately worried about the future. They need to see new jobs, not warm words that things may soon start to get better.

'Only when company order books start growing, pay settlements begin to rise again, and the rate of job losses start to slow will we be convinced that the UK economy really is on the mend.

'Hastening the end of the recession and getting people back to work remains the number one political priority for Government.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- Congress 2009 will be held at the BT Convention Centre, Liverpool from Monday 14 September to Thursday 17 September. All applications for media passes must be received no later than noon Monday 7 September. Any applications received after this date will be processed in Liverpool and subject to a £50 administration fee. The form for media credentials, plus information on how to book wireless internet access and a phone line at the BT Convention Centre can be accessed at www.tuc.org.uk/mediacredentials

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
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 (400 words) issued 9 Jun 2009