Commenting, EEF Chairman, Martin Temple, said:
“The strategy sets out a positive and clear understanding of how manufacturing has restructured itself and the role that it can play as a high value contributor to a balanced economy. Government must take every opportunity to drive home this message.
“The next step as with all such announcements is to deliver and back the positive words with firm actions of intent and support.
However, Martin Temple added that there remains an immediate short term need to help industry and the wider economy through the current global economic turmoil
"This is a strategy for the long term and one we applaud. However, it does not detract from the need to use policy in the short term to help companies through the current turmoil and ensure they are in a position to take advantage of the upturn."
EEF particularly welcomed:
1. The positive view of how manufacturing has performed, how it is changing and what it contributes to the UK. EEF believes that government must continue to reinforce this message to key stakeholders and the public at every opportunity to promote a much better understanding of the opportunities available in a thriving industry.
2. The commitment to develop an industrial strategy to realise the business opportunities associated with a low carbon economy and measures to ensure UK business gets a significant chunk of any new business.
3. The intention to address the image of the sector through the ‘Manufacturing Insight Programme’, together with a ’Manufacturing the Future’ campaign in schools to promote a better understanding industry, its contribution to the economy and the careers available.
4. The expansion of Apprenticeships by inviting bids from large manufacturers to train additional apprentices including for their supply chain. It also welcomed the efforts to simplify the skills system, though business will need to be convinced that real progress is being made.
ENDS