WA43

Business leader attacks trade unions

The director-general of the Confederation of British Industry has launched a scathing attack on trade unions, which he says have 'outdated notions' of the world of work.

Speaking at the CBI Scotland's annual dinner in Glasgow, Digby Jones said that unions are becoming 'increasingly irrelevant', and are failing to respond to the challenges of a global economy.

A recent report revealed that key private sector unions have suffered a decline in membership in recent years.

Mr Jones warned, 'The unions face a stark choice. Either recognise the competitive demands of the 21st century, reform, put training as your top priority for employees and, by encouraging flexibility, help the nation win the battle for competitiveness. Or wither on the vine of growing irrelevancy'.

However, Tony Woodley of the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) said, 'Modern workers need union representation more than ever and any worker in Britain can tell you they face a stack of workplace issues'.

The news came as the TUC renewed its call for a scrapping of the individual opt-out of the working time directive, arguing that family life is being damaged by the UK's long hours culture.

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