Infrastructure projects need to start now, says TUC

date: 27 June 2013

embargo: For immediate release

Commenting on the plans outlined today (Thursday) by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander MP regarding future government investment in the UK's infrastructure, TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said:

'If the UK is to secure strong growth we need significant investment and while today's news of how previously-announced budgets will be spent brings much-needed capital expenditure a step closer, it is still too little too late.

'Although setting out major infrastructure projects in advance may give industry more confidence to begin to invest in training and research so that they are ready when the time comes for contracts to be awarded, our economic problems are huge and require far more immediate attention. The UK needs policies to boost growth and jobs now rather than in two years time.

'For all the talk of grand projects, the reality is that capital spending has been cut by almost half since 2010. Not only has this made life incredibly tough for construction firms, it has also added to our economic stagnation and the huge squeeze on living standards.

'There are many important projects on the government's new shopping list but more good would come of them if ministers would only follow the advice of the IMF and get investing today rather than after the next election.'

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