UK metals sector calls for a new Minister for Manufacturing
The UK Metals Council's annual report called on the government to introduce a dedicated political power to represent their interests in Whitehall.
Rachel Eade MBE, Chair of the UK Metals Council
© UK Metals CouncilMore than 62% of companies, who took part in the Council's State of the Metals Industry report, requested the representation at higher levels of government, with more than half throwing their weight behind the introduction of the 'elusive Industrial Strategy'.
The Council says, 'Full findings will be revealed and discussed at a special launch event at the UK Metals Expo in Birmingham today (11-12 September), but some of the headline figures should leave Labour and the new Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds under no illusions about the need and demand for more specialist support and backing.'
The report highlights how skills and labour shortages continue to dominate the conversation, with 68% of metals companies feeling they are recruiting from a limited talent pool, while 58% of respondents admit to finding it difficult to attract new workers.
Rachel Eade MBE, Chair of the UK Metals Council, comments, '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 continues. '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.
'These are all important messages that need to be acted on and we will use the UK Metals Expo to start the lobbying, alongside hundreds of companies from our sector.'
