LONDON (Chinaview) -- British companies and workers were more vulnerable to the disadvantages of globalization than the rest of Europe, according to a report issued on Thursday by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), an umbrella body for trade unions in the country.

British employees undoubtedly benefited from the cheap goods and greater prosperity brought about by globalization, but were more vulnerable than their European counterparts to the negative impacts of globalization, said the report which called on the government to do more to support workers whose livelihoods were put at risk by growing global trade.

Britain buys in 25 percent more goods and services than it sells abroad, therefore, more British workers are at risk from international trade compared with their European Union colleagues.

In addition, the TUC claimed Britain was home to more multinational companies who could easily relocate operations overseas, and that the typical business strategy of keeping down costs, such as wages and investment in skills and training, entailed the constant threat of the work being moved to countries where it could be done more cheaply.

The TUC also urged the government to help British companies better capitalize on global export opportunities, particularly in emerging economies such as China and India, by supporting the development of strategic manufacturing and service sectors, in particular, environmental technology.

"Too many British workers are losing their jobs when companies move abroad or fail to compete. Cheap DVD players and clothes are scant compensation if you are being downgraded to poor quality, insecure, low-paid work," said TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber.

He added that the government must provide support to older and unskilled individuals to help them adapt to the opening up of world markets and ensure benefit for all British workers.

"But the UK also has a responsibility, mainly through international trade agreements, to make sure that workers in developing countries have access to decent work," he added.