Weaker economic figures reinforce need for public investment to make economy match fit for Brexit, says TUC

7 April 2017

Commenting on new figures published today by the Office for National Statistics, which show a weakening in construction and manufacturing at the start of 2017, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“It’s very worrying to see new signs of weakness in the economy at a time when working people are already feeling the pinch from higher inflation and weak wage growth.

“The Chancellor has promised to get Britain’s economy match fit for Brexit. So he should look again at whether he is doing enough to support jobs and growth. TUC analysis found that Britain is at the bottom of the league table of advanced economies for infrastructure investment, so we need a more ambitious approach from government.

“The government can also help the economy by making sure public sector workers get a proper pay rise. Some extra spending power in the pockets of hard-pressed public servants would give a boost to their local businesses and services.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
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