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• Yorkshire & Humber worst affected region in the North for job losses
• Region’s GDP still well below pre-crisis levels
• Union body claims levelling up agenda is failing people in the North

Commenting on today’s (Wednesday) GDP figures, showing a reduction of 1.5% for the first quarter of 2021 overall but a rise of 2.1% in March, the TUC urged caution based on regional data showing sustained negative growth and job losses across the region.

Despite the improved national outlook, regional data released last week showed that Yorkshire & the Humber’s economy is 6.4 per cent smaller than pre-pandemic levels.

Payroll data for Yorkshire & the Humber showed that 53,000 workers had lost their jobs in the last year.

Manufacturing in the region has reduced by over 5 per cent compared to a year ago.

Commenting on the clash between better national figures and the sustained job losses in our region, TUC Yorkshire & Humber Regional Secretary Bill Adams said: 

“The picture isn’t as rosy as it looks. Our region’s economy is still in a bad way, and tens of thousands of workers in Yorkshire have lost their jobs.

“If the government is serious about levelling up, we need to see unprecedented investment in jobs and infrastructure, and targeted support for the worst hit sectors such as culture, hospitality, and retail.

“You would expect Yorkshire’s Conservative MPs to be banging down the door to No. 11 Downing St. It is disappointing that they don’t seem to understand the depth of the crisis in our region.”

On West Yorkshire, Bill Adams said:

“That is why the election of West Yorkshire’s first metro mayor is so important to the economic recovery. Tracy Brabin will be able to step in where the government has failed.

“It is incumbent on Conservatives MPs to work constructively with our metro mayors to direct investment and deliver the levelling up agenda.”

On South Yorkshire, Bill Adams said:

“That is why Yorkshire’s metro mayors are so important to the economic recovery. Dan Jarvis will be able to step in where the government has failed.

“It is incumbent on Conservatives MPs to work constructively with our metro mayors to direct investment and deliver the levelling up agenda.”

On North Yorkshire, Bill Adams said:

“The tourism industry needs all the help it can get in North Yorkshire, and I am surprised that on the Chancellor’s home turf, the government isn’t more willing to step in to supports jobs and small businesses.”

On East Yorkshire & the Humber, Bill Adams said:

“The steep fall in manufacturing in our region is a huge problem for East Yorkshire & the Humber. We need local Conservative MPs to recognise the crisis facing hundreds of workers across the region and demand action from the government.”

ENDS

Editors note

- The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.

Contacts:

Gareth Forest (Lewis)
gforest@tuc.org.uk
0113 200 1075
07810 374976 

TUC national press office 
media@tuc.org.uk  
020 7467 1248 

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