Aaround 750,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost since Labour came to power in 1997, highlighting the "dramatic" decline in the industry, a new report revealed today.
The research also showed government support for manufacturing was the lowest in Europe.
In addition, weak work rights and low levels of business investment have contributed to the industry's problems, according to the TUC.
Its report warned the main threat to industry in the UK was higher investment and productivity in competitor countries.
The TUC said employers were wrong to keep down pay, increase hours and block improvements to workers' rights because of the threat of jobs going to Eastern Europe or Asia.
Tuesday July 06, 2004
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