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Commenting on yesterday’s (Wednesday) figures from the Office for National Statistics, which show that manufacturing fell by 0.9% and production fell by 1.3% between September and October, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“These gloomy figures are a reminder of the challenges ahead next year, especially in the light of Brexit.

“When the manufacturing sector grows, it creates good jobs across the whole of the UK. So support for the sector should be a bigger priority for the government as part of a more comprehensive industrial strategy in 2017.

“The Chancellor was right to make the argument for higher investment in the Autumn Statement, but his investment package was far too small. We will need stronger action in the new year, targeted at upgrading Britain’s infrastructure and creating good jobs.”

Notes to Editors:

• All TUC press releases can be found at tuc.org.uk/media
• TUC Press Office on Twitter: @tucnews