date: 24 November 2008

embargo: 12noon Monday 24 November 2008

TUC unites with Regional Development Agencies to boost economic growth

The TUC signed an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with England's Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) at the TUC's headquarters in London
today (Monday).

The document formalises the relationship between the two bodies, and provides a clear framework for how the organisations can best work together to increase the economic development of each region.

In a ceremony at Congress House, attended by all TUC Regional Secretaries and RDA union board members, the document was signed by TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber and Chair of Yorkshire Forward and RDA lead role for the TUC Terry Hodgkinson.

Brendan Barber said: 'The TUC represents millions of people at work in every region of the UK and we share many of the aims of the RDAs.

'RDAs are comprised of expert people with in depth local knowledge. In the current economic climate it's vital that unions and business work together to tackle

inequalities in the labour market, encourage greater innovation and involve workers in developing an enterprising culture.'

Terry Hodgkinson said: 'I'm delighted to sign this MOU today. It strengthens our already robust relationship with the TUC, and we're looking into ways we can use this agreement to mitigate the impact of the current economic downturn.

'The TUC does a great job championing the cause of issues such as workers rights and the need for better skills programmes, but also in campaigning on wider issues like the lower carbon economy.

'This makes them a vital partner to sustained economic development across the English regions.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- For photographs please contact Elly Brenchley in the TUC press office on 020 7467 1337.

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

Contacts:

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

Press release (400 words) issued 24 Nov 2008