LOCAL engineers are predicting job losses following this week's Budget.

Mr John Brown, chief executive of EEF Lancashire, said today: "While the budget was cleverly put together it was a grave disappointment in that it has failed to do anything to alleviate the problems caused by the strength of sterling.

"In fact it will make matters worse rather than better."

He claimed this would push manufacturing further into recession.

Mr Brown added: "The budget may create new jobs at the bottom end of the scale, but further significant job losses can now be expected at all levels in the manufacturing sector.

"It shows that the Government is completely out of touch with the needs of industry."

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