GDP reaction: Job Guarantee Scheme needed to help restore economy - TUC

13 May 2020 01:42 PM

Commenting on today’s (Wednesday) GDP figures for the first quarter of 2020, which show the economy contracting as the UK entered lockdown, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“What's important now is having the right plan for Britain's economic recovery. A plan that keeps us safer than before, and that makes Britain fairer than before for the key workers who have put their lives on the line.

"The Chancellor was right to extend the furlough scheme. The next steps must include a Job Guarantee Scheme to prevent problems with long-term unemployment. And we will need a programme of investment so that we can build back better, with jobs for everyone, fairer work and a greener economy."

Editors Note

• Job Guarantee Scheme: The TUC has published a report setting out the evidence in support of a Job Guarantee Scheme and outlining how it would work: https://www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/reports/new-plan-jobs-why-we-need-new-jobs-guarantee