A Bradford businessman is calling on the Government to give more support to the hard-hit textile industry.
Barry Whitaker, chairman and managing director of Allertex - specialists in the supply of textile machinery and equipment - and chairman of the Textile Institute, said the Government needed to create a sense of renewed confidence and optimism as fears and speculation over the long-term future of the industry continued to be aired.
The move comes following the announcement of major job losses by Coats Viyella, the world's largest supplier of sewing thread with operations in 63 countries.
Mr Whitaker said: "While the textile industry still plays an extremely important role in the UK's economy, there's no doubt that some sectors are now facing an extremely insecure future.
"The time has come for the Government to stand up and end an air of speculation and uncertainty. Ministers must endorse the industry's economic value and their commitment to its ongoing survival. A timely statement from the Government will go a long way towards injecting new hope and restored confidence."
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