Coalition 'worst ever' government for manufacturing says Unite

Unite chief Tony Burke accused the Coalition of being strong on rhetoric and weak on delivery. Ministers had led a flawed economic policy based on raiding the public sector and cutting back on investment, Unite said. The comments came during the launch of 2020 Vision- Unite Strategy for Manufacturing at the Unite conference. Burke said: "Manufacturing is the lifeblood of our economy. However, the problem is this Tory-led coalition government has no long-term strategy on UK manufacturing and is doing more damage to UK manufacturing than any previous Conservative government. He added: "This government is strong on manufacturing rhetoric but weak on delivery. Actions speak louder than words and the actions, so far, have fallen woefully short." The Unite 2020 Vision urges ten key pillars of manufacturing policy including protectionist government procurement. George Osborne's Autumn Statement showed the government had realised its economic policy needed reform. Unite claimed the chancellor was "like a pilot, who has put his plane into a tailspin and is now wrestling desperately with the controls". Restoring control was down to greater support for manufacturing said Unite. Len McCluskey, Unite general secretary said: 'What is needed is a massive boost in demand to break the logjam that is holding back a manufacturing-led export recovery; restricting consumer spending in the High Street and the housing market; and that has driven unemployment to a 17-year high.' He added: "Unite has repeatedly called for the introduction of a Plan B aimed at kick-starting manufacturing; putting 'demand' back into the economy i.e. cutting the 20 per cent VAT rate; and maintaining the current level of public services."