Commenting on today’s (Friday) GDP figures showing the economy in February was 0.2% smaller than a year ago, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

“UK workers have paid a high price for Conservative failure.

“Our economy is still smaller than this time last year with growth stuck in the slow lane. Real wages are still worth less than in 2008. And millions are struggling to cover their bills.

“After 14 years of stagnation you’ll be hard-pressed to find many people who feel better off.

“We need a proper economic plan to turn the country around – not just more scraping along the bottom.

“That means a real industrial strategy. And it means making sure that our fiscal framework supports government investment in our crumbling infrastructure and public services.”