GMB call for more apprenticeships and investment in manufacturing capacity to support £375bn national infrastructure plan
Energy and infrastructure projects should be used to create manufacturing jobs in the UK and it isn't happening says GMB
GMB, the union for construction and energy workers, commented on the Government's new national infrastructure plan (NIP) which sets out over £375 billion of planned public and private investments to 2030 and beyond. See notes to editors for copy of written ministerial statement and website links to full documents.
Phil Whitehurst, GMB National Officer for Construction said
“A workload of £375 billion over the next 20 years is great news for the construction industry and the supply chain.
This must now spark the Government and industry into action to ensure that there are enough construction related apprenticeships.
With Hinkley Point C and the nuclear renaissance gathering pace we are not going to have enough skilled workers to build these stations unless enough construction related apprentices are taken on. Let's hope the government does not kick the can down the road again and wait for others to start the initiative. We need to start a massive apprenticeship programme now. GMB is ready to play its part in delivering this programme.”
Gary Smith, GMB National Secretary for Energy and Utilities, said “Government must also ensure that this opportunity to promote investment in the UK based manufacturing capacity needed to support the infrastructure plan is not missed.
Companies like National Grid are sourcing most of the components and cables they are using on their projects from countries like China.
Investment in energy and infrastructure projects should be used to create manufacturing jobs in the UK. People in the UK expect companies like National Grid to be supporting manufacturing jobs in the UK and it isn't happening.”
