Report calls for dedicated Minister for Manufacturing

This is one of the findings from the UK Metals Council’s ‘State of the Metals Industry’ report, which found over 62 per cent of companies calling on government to introduce a dedicated political power to represent their interests in Whitehall. Over half of those that contributed to the report also support the introduction of an Industrial Strategy.

Full findings will be revealed and discussed at a launch event at the UK Metals Expo in Birmingham today (September 11th-12th).

Skills and labour shortages continue to dominate the conversation, with 68 per cent of metals companies feeling they are recruiting from a limited talent pool, while 58 per cent of respondents admit to finding it difficult to attract new workers.

“The message is clear from the companies we represent…they want real political power in the corridors of Whitehall that understand our sector and will fight for it. This is stark message yet also a clear opportunity for Labour,” Rachel Eade MBE, chair of the UK Metals Council, said in a statement.

“There have been some hints that things are changing in government, and they are prepared to listen, with the prospect of an Industrial Strategy - something that pretty much everyone in manufacturing wants - is closer than it has been for a while.”

She continued: “Despite all the supply chain pressures, energy instability and changes in political power, metals firms are showing unbelievable resilience with nearly half feeling optimistic about growth.

“We want the launch of the report to deliver six key asks to government, ranging from introducing a Minister of Manufacturing and providing support to smooth trading with our continental neighbours, to better engagement with industry to review the Apprenticeship Levy and eligibility of learning for funding.”

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