Government action needed to strengthen ailing economy, says TUC

Commenting on today’s (Thursday) weak data for manufacturing and construction, and the Bank of England’s decision not to raise interest rates, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“It’s the right decision not to raise interest rates. You don’t kick the economy when it’s down. Now the government must get our ailing economy back on its feet, delivering decent jobs and a real rise in wages.

“Ministers should set up a National Investment Bank, upgrade roads and rail, and bring high-speed broadband and clean energy to every part of Britain.

“And they should end public service cuts. Eight years of cuts have not just hurt our schools and hospitals – they’ve held back economic growth. It’s time for the government to give public services and public servants the funding boost they need.”