‘See Inside Manufacturing’ a welcome initiative, but government
must to do more, says Unite
13 October 2011
Unite, the UK’s largest union, has welcomed the ‘See Inside
Manufacturing’ initiative aimed at making the automotive industry
an attractive opportunity for young people.
However Unite says that while this initiative is excellent as a
short-term measure, the government needs to adopt a more strategic
approach to retaining young people’s interests in
manufacturing.
The month-long ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ initiative has opened
up the doors to over 30 automotive manufacturing sites where young
people from local schools and colleges have been invited to gain a
greater understanding of the manufacturing career
opportunities.
In order to have a successful and balanced economy the UK needs
a strong and robust manufacturing base which uses the latest
technology, invests in the future and invests in skills.
Unite assistant general secretary, Tony Burke, said: “The
current image of manufacturing needs to change from one of
smoke-stack industries to the high-tech, high performance sector
that we actually have to ensure young people know that a career in
manufacturing can provide a skilled, worthwhile and well paid
future.
“Unite’s view is that manufacturing industry needs investment
and support through a strategic manufacturing plan, not just when
there is a crisis or a blip in the economy, but in the long-term.
This can be done by procurement from our own UK companies and
importantly through investment in skills for the future. The case
of the Bombardier train carriage makers is a prime example of a bad
procurement decision.”
In November, the union will unveil ‘2020 Vision - A Unite
Strategy for Manufacturing’ at its sector conferences. Among the
proposals to support UK manufacturing are:
- A ‘Strategic Investment Bank’ where manufacturing companies, of
all sizes, have access to funding at an affordable rate;
- To build a framework of policies to defend strategically
important industries;
- Better use of government purchasing power to secure
manufacturing jobs in the UK;
- Creating a university structure which builds on the science
base so necessary to secure high skilled jobs.
ENDS
For further information contact Tony Burke on 07831 659939 or
Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite Press Office on 020 3371 2061 or
07980 224761.
Notes to Editors:
The ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ programme was established at the
Manufacturing Summit in January, by the Department for Business,
Innovation and Skills, and is supported by the UK Automotive
Council.
