TUC calls on Budget to spell what it means

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called for politicians to “spell out the full implications” of its policies which will mean cuts to public spending.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling is set to unveil this year’s Budget later today (March 24th), ahead of the forthcoming General Election.

General secretary of the TUC Brendan Barber urged politicians not to use terms such as “efficiency savings” but to be up-front about its motivation for cuts.

He added that this year’s Budget needs to focus on growth, jobs and a more balanced economy which invests in productive industries.

“The economy is still too fragile to make cuts. As the better than expected government borrowing figures show, the best way to reduce the deficit is to keep on fighting unemployment,” Mr Barber added.

He concluded that the size of the public sector would prove a crucial issue during the General Election.

The TUC earlier clamed that the recession should not be used as an excuse by employers for not introducing pay rises.

Posted by Hayley Edwards