Today, the The Chemical Industries Association alongside 14 other trade associations, representing diverse production sectors across the UK economy, wrote to Government ministers, devolved administrations and shadow ministers to highlight concerns about ongoing shortages in skilled labour. Particularly trades that are vital to a growing and resilient economy today, as well as for the delivery of the UK’s net zero targets in coming years.

There are several areas where improvements are urgently needed to ensure the long-term competitiveness and resilience of our industries. These include:

  1. Delivery of long-term policy clarity and stability
  2. Establish equal prestige of trades jobs and Vocational Education Training (VET)
  3. Reform of the Apprenticeship Levy
  4. Promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
  5. Delivery of a fit for purpose immigration system

To unlocking the full potential of the UK workforce and drive sustainable economic growth, it is essential that collaborative collective action across Government, industry and education providers is taken on the above five key areas.

The signatories are:

  • British Glass
  • Chemical Industries Association
  • Cogent Skills
  • Confederation of Paper Industries
  • Engineering Construction Industry Association
  • Environmental Services Association
  • Fuels Industry UK
  • Hydrogen Energy Association
  • Hydrogen UK
  • Make UK
  • Mineral Products Association
  • Offshore Energies UK
  • OPITO
  • UK Steel
skills letter supporters

Supporting Document

Download full letter here. 

DOWNLOADPDF | 265 Kb

For media enquiries please contact 

Simon Marsh
07951389197
MarshS@cia.org.uk

Diana Tamayo
07885831615
TamayoD@cia.org.uk

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