The TUC has welcomed Gordon Brown’s call for a new partnership between government, business and unions to boost Britain’s productivity. The call was made by the Chancellor in letters to the CBI and TUC, and suggests joint working parties to cover issues such as skills, technology and management.

TUC General Secretary John Monks said, “There can be no doubt that Britain needs to improve its productivity. The TUC has been calling for this kind of partnership approach for some time. I very much welcome the wide agenda the Chancellor proposes, and look forward to working with ministers and the CBI.”

“Partnership is already delivering benefits for many firms. This provides an opportunity to apply the same approach across wider sectors of the economy.”