Manufacturing poll says sector vital for post-Brexit economy
THE GOVERNMENT should place a greater value on the UK’s manufacturing industry to boost the economy after Brexit, according to a new poll.
The survey carried out by YouGov for EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, and law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, found that 79 per cent of people believe that politicians should place more value on manufacturing.
Meanwhile, 70 per cent of people agree that the UK cannot tackle future problems without a strong manufacturing sector. When questioned further, 69 per cent believe that manufacturing is important to secure our place in the global economy, especially in the context of Brexit.
According to EEF and Womble Bond Dickinson, this strong public backing for the importance of manufacturing has significant implications for the direction of policy, with Government urged to invest more in the sector.
However, despite the public placing a high value on the role of manufacturing only a fifth of parents want their children to work in the sector. A third of parents think the sector is poorly paid whilst just over a quarter say they do not want their offspring working on a production line.
Stephen Phipson, chief executive of EEF, said: “It is clear that there are massive misconceptions about manufacturing although it is pleasing that the UK public feels the sector is important.”
Peter Snaith, head of manufacturing at law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, added: “Manufacturing provides enormous value to the UK economy.”