In a letter to the manufacturing sector, the Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, pays tribute to the sector and the work it is doing to keep the economy going.
He also stresses that manufacturing is a critical part of the economy and that there is no restriction on manufacturing continuing under the current rules.
He says in the letter: “As you know, the Government’s priority is saving lives and we have advised that where possible, people should stay at home and work from home. However, our country needs your support to keep supply chains moving and key workers mobile, as well as to protect the economy as much as possible. Every business has a role to play in helping the country defeat coronavirus.”
The Secretary of State adds: “Many across aerospace, chemical, automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical, packaging and other sectors, including those providing essential services and materials, have answered the call to action and are playing a direct role in combatting COVID-19 by producing the material we need to fight the spread of the virus. It is vital that we ensure that servicing, parts and raw materials are available to keep vehicles and services on the road and operating. I would like to give you all my personal thanks for everything you are doing.”
Trade association have been pushing for a public statement on the critical role of manufacturing during the current crisis.
Dr Pam Murrell of the Cast Metals Federation says: “It is something we, along with other trade associations, have been pushing for as some companies have been criticised for still being open, even though this is actually supported by Government.
She added that the Cast Metals Federation was pleased to receive this letter of support and appreciation from The Secretary of State on behalf of its Members.
“Alongside many other Trade Associations, we are only too aware of the efforts our employers are making to keep their employees safe, preserve jobs to protect the economy and, at the same time, support our critical infrastructure supply chains, all whilst under very challenging conditions. We too recognise the personal challenges that many of our employees in the sector are making to contribute to ‘the resilience of our nation’ and ‘to support the UK at this testing time’.
“The fact that this is now being recognised by Government is much appreciated.
“Recognition of the vital role that manufacturing is playing at this time is something that we have been requesting – indeed it is perhaps a shame that it takes a crisis of the current magnitude for this role to be publicly applauded. But we appreciate it now nonetheless.”