Unions to call for banking shake-up

TUC leader Brendan Barber says calls for a shake-up of the banking sector are supported by some Government ministers
8 September 2012

Union leaders are to call for a major shake-up of the banking sector to tackle concerns over lending, executive pay and the UK's slow recovery from recession.

The TUC will press for a series of changes at its annual congress next week, including a state investment bank, greater diversity in the banking system and a crackdown on bonuses.

The union organisation will also press the case for worker representation on company remuneration committees.

The TUC General Council will issue a statement at the Brighton conference saying that the Government's Green Investment Bank should be made into a "proper bank", with the ability to raise its own funds.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Banks caused the crash. Their problems are still driving the eurozone crisis. They are still failing to provide the finance that Britain's productive sectors need.

"Yet the Government is still tiptoeing round reform. Even the limited Vickers proposals are being watered down, and initiatives designed to kick-start lending or boost growth end up helping banks, rather than the real economy.

"That is why it is not just unions backing a radical shake-up. Proposals we make also find support among business leaders, consumer groups and even some ministers."

The TUC said it believed there were three major issues on banking that needed tackling - financial stability, excessive pay and how banks could support the "real economy".

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