The TUC has called on Gordon Brown to do more to help Britain's manufacturing sector.

Publishing its Budget submission on Tuesday, the union body said action from the chancellor was "essential".

It said there had been no sign of a recovery in the manufacturing sector.

"We are seeing a depressing cycle of forecast recovery turning to continued stagnation as the sector struggles to cope with global competition," said the submission.

"Government support for manufacturing is essential. As one component of this support, achieving macroeconomic stability is vital.

"Yet the manufacturing sector needs more than a stable economy, vital though that is.

"We are concerned about the 'hands-off' attitude towards industry in general, and manufacturing in particular, that puts the UK at a competitive disadvantage internationally."

The TUC said it was not seeking "protectionism or special favours".

"We do, however, call on the UK to use the flexibilities deliberately included in EU law to support UK companies, through intelligent public procurement and through the state aid system."

With the chancellor set to deliver his next Budget shortly before the anticipated May 5 general election, the TUC also said there should be cash available to implement equal pay and other negotiated settlements.

It added that a development of the childcare strategy to provide the childcare workforce with decent wages, terms and conditions and proper training was vital.

"We want to see a commitment to policies that will make a real difference to the lives of working people," said general secretary Brendan Barber.

"Greater investment in childcare strategies and the people delivering that childcare will increases the options available to working parents.

"A commitment to our public services and manufacturing sector ensures that we can continue to compete on a global level and deliver the frontline services that this country needs.

"And, of course, the TUC will not forget our pensioners and we call for practical measures which can especially help women, who are most likely to retire into poverty.

"It is these commitments that we are calling on the government ahead of the Budget."