Threat of chaotic Brexit putting manufacturing jobs at risk, GMB warns

The prospect of a disorderly Brexit is putting skilled manufacturing jobs and millions of pounds of investment in the economy at risk, GMB Union has warned.

Analysis released today (Tuesday 21 May) by the union shows that the sector employs two and half million people, contributing £118 billion each year to the economy in wages and other payments to workers.

The industry also supports a further nearly five million jobs in the wider economy, including in the supply chain.

One in five manufacturing employers plan on cutting jobs after Brexit, according to a 2018 survey, and the Bank of England recently warned that in the past months ‘investment intentions fell sharply in manufacturing, mostly due to Brexit uncertainty.’

Jude Brimble, GMB National Secretary for Manufacturing, said: “These figures show what is at stake in the European elections.

“The prospect of a chaotic Brexit is sending a chill throughout manufacturing.

“We have already seen job losses and paused investment in foundational industries such as food manufacturing, car production and ceramics.

“The situation will only get worse if we end up with a rushed and disorderly Brexit.

“That’s why it is vital that politicians from all parties rule out a no-deal Brexit that would be devastating for our manufacturing and export industries.”