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date: 31 July 2009

embargo: For immediate release

TUC calls for Government help in halting Vestas factory closure

Commenting today (Friday) on the planned closure of the Vestas wind turbine factory on the Isle of Wight, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'Even at this late stage we are calling on Vestas to halt its closure plan and think again. Business, unions and Government must get around the table and make every effort to secure a future for wind turbine manufacturing in the UK.

'Ed Miliband has proved himself to be a champion of the green agenda and the drive to create new jobs. Now we are asking him to go the extra mile for the 600 workers and the production facility, the only one of its size in Britain, which is vital to building our low carbon future. Everything must be done to look for positive alternatives.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 31 Jul 2009