Manufacturing slump signals need for proper industrial strategy, says TUC

10 February 2016

Commenting on the publication today by the Office for National Statistics of December figures on manufacturing, which show that output is down 1.7% on a year ago and down 7.5% on the pre-crisis peak, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“These disappointing figures coincide with a cross-party group of MPs slamming the government for scrapping a billion pounds of support for low carbon technology. Yet the government seems incapable of making the connection between its bad decisions, and the bad outcomes for the economy.

“The UK economy needs a stronger manufacturing foundation to propel growth and create decent jobs. But manufacturing industry is not getting the support it needs from government. We need a proper industrial strategy with strong and stable investment in skills, infrastructure and innovation.”

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