Trade with Europe is vital for jobs and living standards, says TUC

Commenting on the report published today (Monday) by British Influence, which finds that over four million jobs in the UK today are dependent on exports to the European Union, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“One in seven British jobs already depend on trade with the rest of the EU, and these four million jobs tend to be more highly skilled and better paid than most.

“Jobs in the Midlands and Yorkshire are even more reliant on exports to Europe than jobs in other parts of the UK. The recovery won’t deliver for large parts of the country if the needs of the regions are ignored.

“Trade with Europe is vital to the British economy and to the living standards of people at work. Britain’s membership of the EU needs to work for Britain, and for working people that means the right to good jobs, better training and higher pay.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- British Influence is a campaign to keep Britain in the EU. Further information is available at http://britishinfluence.org/

- The TUC is organising Fair Pay Fortnight from Monday 24 March to Sunday 6 April. It will be a series of events across England and Wales to raise awareness about falling living standards. www.fairpayfortnight.org

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

- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @tucnews

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen   T: 020 7467 1248    M: 07778 158175    E: media@tuc.org.uk