Government needs to boost growth as Yorkshire’s economy hit hardest by COVID, says TUC

10 Nov 2020 01:50 PM

Regional Secretary Bill Adams yesterday commented on the news that economic growth in Yorkshire fell by 3.6% in the first quarter of 2020 (Jan-Mar), and that education (-17%), hospitality (-9%) and retail (-8%) sectors all experienced significant negative growth.

• Yorkshire & Humber was second hardest hit region in England according to ONS data for Jan-March 2020
• Hospitality, education and retail sectors all experience significant negative growth

Regional Secretary Bill Adams yesterday said:

“Yorkshire’s economy is hurting, with working people feeling the brunt of an economic crisis.

“Yorkshire’s workers are on the frontline of this pandemic, with key workers making up 38% of our region’s employment, compared to just 30% in London.

“COVID-19 has widened inequalities, and many working people face a long, hard winter on poverty pay, or without a job.

“We need urgent action from the government through a boost to the minimum wage, investment in infrastructure and skills and sector specific recovery plans for a green recovery that is so crucial to our region.

“We’ve published a report outlining how we can build a better recovery for Yorkshire & the Humber by investing in jobs, creating a better framework for work and rebuilding our public services. Today’s figures again show why ministers need to urgently work with unions and businesses to both safeguard jobs now and to build back better.”

Editors note

• The TUC's recovery report for Yorkshire can be accessed here: https://www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/reports/better-recovery-yorkshire 
• The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.

Contacts:

Gareth Forest (Lewis)
glewis@tuc.org.uk 
0113 200 1075
07810 374976

TUC national press office 
media@tuc.org.uk  
020 7467 1248