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.