WIREDGOV

Commenting on yesterday’s (Monday) announcement of around 1,000 job losses at TATA steel plants in Wales, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“With the manufacturing sector now in recession, the last thing Britain needs is further damage to the steel industry. Steel is a foundation industry on which other sectors depend. Britain desperately needs a real industrial strategy.

“Ministers in London need to wake up and smell the coffee. Cheap Chinese steel imports are wrecking the steel industry. The government must take measures to prevent China from dumping cheap steel on the world market.

“The British government can start by opposing the granting of market economy status to China, and by using business rates and procurement policy to protect this vital industry.”

Notes to editors:

• All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
• Follow the TUC on Twitter: @The_TUC and follow the TUC press team @tucnews