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New Union leader criticises "limp ambition" in recovery

Unions must play a part in revitalising Britain’s social and economic landscape, says incoming general secretary of the Trade Union Congress Frances O’Grady.

As Ms O’Grady embarks on her first day in post, she criticised the Government’s “limp ambition” to get the economy moving again, and suggests simply getting back to business is not good enough.

In a statement outlining her 2013 priorities, Ms O’Grady said a new industrial policy is required, including investment in infrastructure, homes and transport.

She said: “We also need a laser-like focus on the need to create decent jobs and apprenticeships, in the parts of the country that need them the most.

“Lord Heseltine’s recent report offers a good start, and it won widespread support across political parties, business and unions. It may not go as far as we would like, but even a few steps along its route would be a distinctive break with the dominant approach since the 1980s.”

The general secretary’s message added: “Giving workers a say over top pay through employee representation on company remuneration committees is one example. But it is also about making all workplaces like the best performing ones and genuinely giving staff a strong voice in the strategic decisions on which the future success of a company – and our economy – depend. Stronger unions must be a vital part of creating a better Britain, helping to rebalance power back towards ordinary people.

“This all adds up a very different approach to the economy and a challenge to all the political parties, employers and indeed unions. My strong belief is that when we look back at the period from the 1980s to the 2008 crash, historians will see these as exceptional times – as damaging in their way as the 1930s.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .