TUC calls on government not to slash public spending

Tue 10 Nov 2009

The government has been warned that the economic slump could last for longer if it reduces public spending.

Last month, the Office for National Statistics revealed that the UK is now in its longest recession on record, as the economy shrank by 0.4 per cent between July and September 2009.

The TUC has therefore insisted that continuing to invest in public services is the best way to help stimulate the economy and drive growth.

According to the organisation, about 200,000 public sector jobs would be lost if public spending levels were reduced by ten per cent.

The TUC added that a cut of this size would also lead to the private sector missing out on nearly £17 billion worth of investment, thereby leading to even more jobs being lost across Britain.

This, it continued, could in turn lead to an increase in health problems such as heart attacks, as well as violent crime and suicides.

Richard Tinham, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood, commented: "Although to some degree inevitable, the increased pressure on public sector budgets draws sharply into focus the continuing expectations with regard to public services and the efficiency and effectiveness with which they are delivered."