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Commenting on the revised gross domestic product figures published today (Thursday) by the Office for National Statistics, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

“Today's figures lay bare the damage caused by the government's austerity programme. The Chancellor has steered the UK back into a double-dip recession for the first time in 40 years, with falling living standards continuing to depress consumer spending.
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date: 28 June 2012

embargo: For immediate release

Commenting on the revised gross domestic product figures published today (Thursday) by the Office for National Statistics, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'Today's figures lay bare the damage caused by the government's austerity programme. The Chancellor has steered the UK back into a double-dip recession for the first time in 40 years, with falling living standards continuing to depress consumer spending.

'This is not how you secure an economic recovery. Continuing with self-defeating austerity is not only choking off recovery but also risks causing permanent long-term damage to the UK economy. A new plan based on investment and jobs is more vital now than ever.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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

- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @tucnews

- Congress 2012 will be held at the Brighton Centre from Sunday 9 September to Wednesday 12 September. Free media passes can be obtained by visiting www.tuc.org.uk/mediacredentials and completing an online form. Applications must be in by noon on Wednesday 29 August. Any received later than that will be processed in Brighton and will cost £50. Please note that the Brighton Centre requires 60 days' notice for telephone line facilities. Details available on the link above.

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk

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