Unite comment on new manufacturing strategy

22 November 2007

Derek Simpson, Joint General Secretary of Unite, said: "UK manufacturing can be among the best in the world if given the proper support and a new strategy to address today's industrial and global challenges is vital if we are to compete in the new global economy.

"In addition to more skills training and a new emphasis on investment in research and development, this needs to be backed by appropriate legislation of improved employment rights to protect UK manufacturing jobs.

"Unless UK workers are given the same protection as those in other parts of Europe they will remain first in line when global companies seek to make job cuts."