LIVERSEDGE: Howarth Timber and Building Supplies, in Hare Park Lane, Liversedge, has joined the Builders' Merchants Federation's campaign for a VAT cut to 5% RMI materials.

Phil Barman, branch manager said: "The Howarth Group fully supports the aims of the BMF for a number of reasons, not just for the sake of our own business.

"The industry is in dire need of support to halt its alarming decline. Without direct and swift assistance many of these jobs will never return – and that has a direct impact on customers, merchants, product manufacturers and trades people, as well as on the economy as a whole."

In March, EU finance ministers agreed to allow member states to lower VAT rates in labour-intensive local services such as building repair and maintenance.

Mr Barman added: "This industry represents 9% of GDP and employs around seven million people in the UK, directly or indirectly.

"Howarth Timber and Building Supplies is urging the Government to do more to rescue companies, save these jobs, retain our skills and safeguard our considerable investments in the industry."