Speaking as the STUC published a discussion paper ‘The Future of Manufacturing Industry in Scotland’, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said:
“The STUC believes there is a positive future for manufacturing industry in Scotland. We hope this discussion paper stimulates a mature discussion on the action required to ensure that manufacturing stabilises and grows.
“The paper is published during STUC Congress 2007 but it is fortunate that it coincides this year with the election campaign; a campaign in which the future of Scottish manufacturing has hardly rated a mention.
“For too long debate has been dominated by the campaigning priorities, such as business rates and regulation, of the employer representative organisations which are at best marginal to the real challenges facing manufacturing. It is now crucial that we begin to examine how investment can be increased, how the levers available to government can be used strategically to support the manufacturing base and how we can better promote the many success stories in Scottish manufacturing at home and abroad”.
ENDS
STUC Manufacturing Discussion Paper
Notes
The Future of Manufacturing Industry in Scotland is the second in a series of discussion papers on the Scottish economy published by the STUC. It follows Challenging the Red tape Myths published in December 2006. The Future of Manufacturing Industry in Scotland examines the current state of manufacturing, experience elsewhere and how government is addressing the challenges of globalisation. It then goes on to recommend action in nine different areas: skills, investment, maximising industrial opportunities, procurement, monetary policy, selling manufacturing, energy, ownership and employment protection.
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