Richard Diment, Director-General of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), has met with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street to consider how the Government can support businesses that are struggling in the difficult economic climate particularly in the construction sector.

Also present at the meeting was Margaret Beckett MP, Housing Minister and Ian Pearson MP, the Minister for Construction.

Speaking after the meeting, Richard Diment said: "At a time when the building industry is facing its biggest challenges for many years, this meeting was not a moment too soon. I was pleased to be able to meet with the Prime Minister and put our members' concerns to him direct. I was able to tell the Prime Minister that the Government must provide further incentives to free up the moribund building market. The Prime Minister also listened to the need to cut VAT on repair and maintenance work to five percent and the benefits that this will bring for home occupiers and the environment.

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"With 41% of our members warning that they will be making job losses over the coming months and house building at its lowest level since 1945, the Government must take immediate action to limit the impact and duration of the recession if it wants to protect the thousands of businesses and tens of thousands of jobs in the building sector. It is encouraging that the Prime Minister is actively listening to our concerns and wants to meet again early next year to review progress."

(CD/KMcA)