CBI cost- offensive

Workers Press no. 911, 3 November 1972 · scan page 12

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MAJOR employers are going to launch a cost-cutting offensive both before and after Britain's entry into the These new plans for attacks on the working class were revealed by the Confederation of British Industry in its quarterly survey of business trends.

Their publication was timed precisely-whether by accident or design-to coincide with the time when TUC chiefs entered 10 Downing Street for further talks about the state pay plan.

At the same time, the survey reveals that big business has made no concessions to TUC pleas for a cut in unemployment.

In fact, the vast majority of those replying to the CBI's questionnaire say they have little intention of re-employing those made redundant in the last two Undoubtedly the risk of runBange doine he, western dway thinking of big business in October.

Almost 60 per cent thought that if export chances were damaged it would be because of rising costs.

The CBI reports that most firms said there had been an upturn in new orders and output in the last quarter and expected the trend to continue.

But these levels are measured not in volume but in value and therefore take account of inflation. Although many firms are still working below capacity, the numbers have fallen, says the CBI.

A slight improvement is also thought to have taken place in the level of manufacturing 'However,' the survey continues, it is to be remembered •.. that the recovery is from a low level.' It concludes that the 'short-term outlook for exports is satisfactory' VAUXHALL Motors announced yesterday that all car prices were to be increased from midnight, in almost all cases by 5 per cent. Bedford truck and van prices were increased too, again in general by 5 per cent. On Wednesday Chrysler UK announced price increases of about 5 per cent.

NATIONAL Union of Railwaymen has asked the locomen's union ASLEF to lift its ban on driving British Rail's new highspeed diesel train. Their move follows a request from British Rail who say production of the new 125-m.p.h. train is being held up by the ASLEF boycott.