Industry calls for UK to remain ‘open for business’ after Brexit
THE UK automotive sector turned over a record £71.6billion last year, but now faces a battle to plug skills gaps and continue exporting top-selling vehicles as the country heads towards the EU exit door.
Industry bosses have called on the Government to remain “open for business”, despite uncertainty over the nation’s future. This comes after manufacturers reported growth in jobs, production and vehicle sales in 2015, while cutting environmental impact, shown in figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The SMMT’S 17th annual Sustainability Report shows automotive turnover increased by 7.3 per cent from 2014, adding nearly £20billion to the UK economy. Investment into research and development also hit a record high, while the number of jobs increased by 17,000 in 2015, with 814,000 workers now employed in the sector.
The industry body said continuing these successes is reliant on the UK being part of the single market, having access to a talent pool to fill the country’s 5,000-strong skills gap, and influence over regulations – all issues that may be tough post-brexit.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes admitted the referendum result wasn’t what the industry wanted, but said, for now at least, it was “business as usual”. One of the major concerns is big businesses pulling out of the UK and triggering job losses – a threat that remains for many of the UK’S largest manufacturing plants.
However, two of the biggest motoring employers in the UK – Jaguar Land Rover and Toyota – have both already made commitments to staying in the UK and safeguarding jobs in the short term.
With the Government also in turmoil following David Cameron’s resignation as Prime Minister, Business Secretary Sajid Javid promised to protect the motor industry and do “what’s right for jobs and the people of Britain”.
He added: “In a sky full of stars, your sector shines brighter than most. The past few years have been incredible for the UK’S automotive industry. From the consumer forecourt to Formula One grid, the UK’S automotive expertise is clear.”