Union chief Peter Booth has welcomed moves to give the troubled textile industry a boost.

A report from the Textile and Clothing Strategy Group makes far-reaching recommendations on how to shore up the ailing industry.

They include a Government-backed fund to provide investment in textiles outside Assisted Areas, a ring-fenced DTI fund to promote innovation in small firms and backing for better use of e-commerce.

Mr Booth, T&G national organiser for manufacturing, told the union's Scottish Executive Textile and Clothing workshop: "The textile industry is too important to be allowed to wither on the vine while other European countries support and value their textile businesses.

"The industry produces over £14 billion worth of goods every year, of which seven billion are exported, and employs over 300,000 people.

"Both the industry and its workforce deserve better support than that provided over the last 20 years. This report points to a way to a better future.

"The recommendations to Government and industry are both sensible and relevant. We would expect these to be acted upon on behalf of the industry and the workforce it employs."

The Textile and Clothing Strategy Group was set up after pressure from unions in the industry, including the T&G.

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