#IME #ukmfg #britishmanufacturing #madeinthemidlands #science #engineering According to a poll commissioned by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Government is failing to promote UK manufacturing and remains more committed to the financial sector than UK industry.
The survey of 1,000 manufacturers reveals that 61% of those that replied believe the Government is “performing badly on manufacturing policy”, with just 17% saying the Government is “doing a good job”. Meanwhile, 73% said that “the Government is not doing enough with careers advice to promote science, engineering and manufacturing in schools”.
Philippa Oldham, head of manufacturing at the Institution, said: “Our survey in 2012 revealed that the Government’s manufacturing policies did not have the support of manufacturers. One year on, it seems the situation has got worse. The UK manufacturing sector should be at the very heart of a thriving economy, but there is little confidence among the respondents that the Government is doing enough to make this happen.
"Indeed, they overwhelmingly said the Government still remains far too committed to the financial sector, when it should be looking to the potential of manufacturing to spearhead economic recovery and lead the country towards growth.
“We have welcomed the interest shown in UK manufacturing by the main party leaders in recent months, but visits to factories and warm words of encouragement are not enough.
"The Government must set out a clear, long-term industrial strategy with cross-party support. This strategy must look to address the engineering skills shortage and provide greater financial incentives, similar to the R&D tax credits already implemented.”