'Manufacturing is the lifeblood of our economy', says Unite

23 March 2011

Unite GPM union learning reps conference

WHEN: 9.30am, Thursday 24 March 2011
WHERE: Unite the union, Unite Offices, Salford Quays, Salford M50 3SG

Unite's union learning reps (ULRs) from across the country will come together at a conference tomorrow (Thursday 24 March) to highlight the lack of training and apprentices in the UK's manufacturing industry.

This conference aims to give ULRs a bigger and better picture of the state of training and apprenticeships in manufacturing. This is with the view of empowering more reps and companies to look at having a training/learning agreement in place.

Unite assistant general secretary, Tony Burke, who will open the conference will say: “Manufacturing is the lifeblood of our economy. Over the past few years we have seen that the over reliance on financial services and the service sector is dangerous and unreliable to say the least.

“Unite believes that in order to have a successful and balanced economy we need a strong and robust manufacturing base which uses the latest technology, invests in the future and invests in skills.

“What our industries need is support and assistance if we are to weather the storm and provide employment, not just for now, but for the future, particularly for young people.

“Unite is of the view that manufacturing needs investment and support, not just when there is a crisis or a blip in the economy, but on an ongoing basis. This can be done by procurement from our own UK companies and importantly through investment in skills for the future.

“To do this we will need to continue to develop and train the best people to achieve the best skills, to maximise productivity and competitiveness. We must not take part in the 'race to the bottom' – we can't compete on price, but we can compete on skills, innovation, productivity and competitiveness.

“That is why Unite believes investing in apprenticeships is so important.”

Speakers will include: Tony Burke, Unite assistant general secretary; Tom Beattie, Unite's head of lifelong learning and officer development; Tom Bowtell, ProSkills deputy CEO; Osher Williams, assistant director of P.F.A. Education; Helen Osgood, representing young members in the North West; Kathy Woodward, BPIF; Mikki Piertney, Acas.

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