date: 29 June 2009

embargo: For immediate release

TUC response to Building Britain's Future

Responding to the Building Britain's Future document, published today (Monday) by the Prime Minister, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'There is much to welcome in this document. Keeping people in jobs and getting the unemployed back to work must be the number one priority. The only way to get the public finances in order and build a prosperous future is to regain full employment. Policies that help meet this objective - such as building new social housing and investing in a low carbon future - are particularly welcome.

'Public service workers will welcome the move away from top-down targets. Spelling out what citizens ought to be able to get from public services is a much more relevant way to talk about the future, even if it raises questions about whether there will be sufficient resources or neglect of services not accompanied by a specific pledge.

'The Government's plans for sanctions against young people not taking up the future jobs fund are a major cause for concern. The TUC is seeking discussions on this as a matter of urgency.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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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

Press release (400 words) issued 29 Jun 2009