CBI chief addresses ‘change’ at TUC Congress

CBI Director-General Digby Jones has challenged union leaders and delegates attending the TUC congress to “embrace change”.

In his address, Mr Jones - just days after rounding on union leaders for fighting “yesterday’s battles” - said in a more conciliatory speech that “any change” could be achieved if there was a spirit of co-operation and can-do attitudes.

Delegates, who had been requested to listen to the speech, received the address well and applauded Mr Jones, who appealed for businesses to put “good communications” at the top of their list.

However, the reception for Mr Jones had been far from certain as union leaders in militant mood yesterday threatened to boycott the address.

Leaders yesterday voted unanimously for a right to take secondary industrial action and for measures to better protect striking workers.

Mr Jones who appealed to the TUC congress “not to fail to rise to the challenge” said that the “methods of yesterday are not the answer”.

He also heightened concerns about the number of businesses looking at the option of moving overseas.

Though some delegates were less than appreciative of Mr Jones' address, he failed to attract the derision reserved for Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt when she spoke about the "significant" relationship between unions and government.

(SP)