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date: 12th June 2009

TUC gives evidence on recession to inaugural meeting of North West Regional Committee

TUC chief Alan Manning is to give evidence to MPs about the recession in the region to the inaugural meeting of the North West Regional Committee.

He will oppose any moves by a future government to abolish the North West Development Agency which has played 'a vital role in driving forward economic development.'

Mr Manning, Regional Secretary of the NW TUC, has been invited to give evidence on Monday to the first ever meeting of the House of Commons' North West Regional Committee in Manchester.

Mr Manning said: 'We welcome the Government's initiative in setting up a special committee which is able to address specific issues of interest and concern to people living and working in the North West.

'There is a clear need for closer links between elected politicians of all parties and regional organisations which are committed to the development of the North West. This Committee of local MPs enables us to make the case directly to them for greater Government involvement, support and investment in the North West. That's why it is a pity that not all parties have taken up their places on the Regional Committee.'

The North West TUC has already submitted written evidence to the Committee about the impact of the recession on the region and will now be questioned about its view by MPs.

The TUC's submission underlines the importance of the high-performing digital and creative industries in the North West and adds: 'it is important to ensure that the continued growth of such sectors is supported and that major projects to enable this, such as Salford Media City, are not jeopardised by the overall economic climate.'

It also calls specifically for greater Government intervention to support the region's manufacturing industry. 'Simply allowing market forces and the recession to 'run its course' would have had a highly detrimental effect on our manufacturing base, and the wider regional economy as a whole.'

Mr Manning will back the setting up of 4NW - which brings together the region's political leaders - and also warns against any plans to scrap the North West Development Agency.

He said: 'We have serious concerns about any proposals from a potential future government to abolish Regional Development Agencies.

'The North West TUC believes that they play a vital role in driving forward economic development, and without the regional expertise and strategic focus that they provide, the future opportunities for a strong, diverse North West Economy and Community may not be achieved.'

The TUC is also calling for statutory redundancy pay to be brought in line with average earnings, which would mean a 50 per cent increase in payouts to workers who lose their jobs as a result of the recession.

Mr Manning is due to give evidence to the Committee at noon on Monday June 15^th at Manchester Town Hall.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries: Matt Finegan, Sound Communication T: 07807 033 438

Further enquiries: Alan Manning T: 0151 236 5432 or M: 07887 797156

Press release (600 words) issued 12 Jun 2009