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Commenting on the first estimate of GDP growth published today (Wednesday) for the last quarter of 2011, which showed the economy shrunk by 0.2 percentage points, Kevin Rowan, Regional Secretary of the Northern TUC said:
“It certainly didn't take any psychic powers to see this contraction coming. Last week's unemployment figures were preparation for what was to follow and our worst fears have been confirmed.

date: 25 January 2012

embargo: for immediate release

Commenting on the first estimate of GDP growth published today (Wednesday) for the last quarter of 2011, which showed the economy shrunk by 0.2 percentage points, Kevin Rowan, Regional Secretary of the Northern TUC said:

'It certainly didn't take any psychic powers to see this contraction coming. Last week's unemployment figures were preparation for what was to follow and our worst fears have been confirmed. The Chancellor will be quick to play the blame game, pinning the shrinkage on anything and everything but his short-sighted and now demonstrably failing economic policy.

'The long-term future of the country's economy hangs in the balance and this is not the time to take a cavalier attitude to spiralling unemployment, increased child poverty and the everyday struggle of people to make ends meet. It's difficult to have empathy when you're a millionaire, but I don't think a grasp of reality and sound fiscal policies is too much to ask of a Chancellor.'



NOTES TO EDITORS:

- Northern TUC press releases www.tuc.org.uk/northern national releases www.tuc.org.uk and www.twitter.com/tucnews

- Register for the TUC's press extranet: a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

- For TUC advice and information on the world of work www.workSMART.org.uk

Media contacts:

Kevin Rowan, Northern TUC Regional Secretary T: 0191 227 5565; M: 07766250074; E: krowan@tuc.org.uk

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