EEF NW comment on Chuka Umunna speech on Supply Chains and Apprentices

Commenting on the speech by Chuka Umunna MP, David Ost, North West Region Director of EEF the manufacturers’ organisation, said:

On the Wright Review:
“This is a welcome announcement which reflects the urgent need to strengthen and support our supply chains, which are critical to long term economic and industrial growth. Supply chain capacity and the skills within is not just a factor in supporting the companies that are already here but, it is a major factor which also influences key inward investment decisions from major companies overseas. Industry will welcome the fact that supply chains are now recognised as a key priority for industrial strategy by both government and opposition.”

On measures to boost Apprenticeships:“Business will welcome plans to raise not just the quantity but, equally important, the quality of Apprentice skill levels by making them mandatory to level 3 and a minimum of two years. It is also key that employers take the lead in driving up skills development. However, in a tight labour market business must be free to recruit the best skills it needs from across the EU, not just in the UK. Plans to force companies to take on an equal number of UK workers to those they train from overseas is not just impractical but, an interventionist measure that goes against the grain of a market based approach to training.”