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date: 16 November 2009

embargo: For immediate release

Transition to a greener economy must create opportunities for everyone

Responding to the Government's announcement at the TUC's Beyond Crisis conference today (Monday) of the creation and first meeting of the new Forum for a Just Transition, a body set up to ensure that the opportunities and challenges of moving to a low carbon economy are shared equally around the UK, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'This is excellent news. By working together on how we create a low carbon economy, we can both create millions of new green jobs and build a better balanced economy less dependent on finance.

'But the big changes we need will also cause pain. This is why planning the economic and social changes required for a just transition is as important as the technological and industrial issues.

'The TUC is keen to work with Government, business and consumer groups through this forum to ensure that any transition to a greener economy creates opportunities for everyone in society.'

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
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 16 Nov 2009