NEW TUC leader Brendan Barber yesterday called for more investment in training and research during a visit to the North-East.
Mr Barber, who is general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, visited the Wallsend base of engineering firm Amec with Newcastle East MP Nick Brown.
Amec is a leading partner in the North-East Maritime Group, a business-led group that enables regional partnership in the marine engineering and shipbuilding sector.
Mr Barber toured the company's site and also visited the Bonga, the largest ship to sail up the Tyne, which Amec is building a platform for.
He also spoke to union representatives and managers about how to meet future demand in the ship building sector and strengthen the skills base.
Mr Barber stressed that investment in training must be coupled with investment in research and development if the economy and employment in the North-East are to grow.
He said: "The North-East is the lowest investor in research and development in the country and I am anxious to explore how the priority sectors in the region can attract higher public and private investment in this area."
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