Call for an EU referendum is a distraction, says TUC

date: 23 January 2013

embargo: For immediate release

Commenting on the speech made by the Prime Minister today (Wednesday) on Europe, TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said:

'We need a government that focuses all its efforts on jobs, growth and living standards - the problems that face ordinary families every day of the week.

'The Prime Minister's call for a possible referendum in four year's time is a distraction, creating uncertainty for business investment and making recovery even more difficult. It's clear that he wants the UK to remain in the EU but on the basis of scrapping vital protection for workers. Yet all of Europe's most successful economies - in or out of the EU - have better rights at work.

'Instead ministers need to find the time to 'think more deeply' about getting the economy moving.'

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