Commenting on the results of a business survey published by Unite yesterday, which shows that there will be ‘job losses throughout Bombardier’s UK supply chain following the government’s decision not to award the company the Thameslink contract’, TUC Deputy General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:
“The government’s short-sighted approach to procurement is causing economic shocks that are reverberating through Britain’s supply chains.
“The award of the Thameslink rolling stock contract to competitors in Germany is hitting jobs and business not only at Bombardier’s plant in Derby, but among their suppliers throughout the UK.
“This truly is a false economy. What may seem like short-term savings for the Exchequer are causing long-term losses for the UK as we continue to shed skilled jobs in key sectors of our economy.
“With economic growth virtually at a standstill, the government urgently needs an effective industrial strategy that brings jobs and business back to our manufacturing sector.
“The government must use its spending power to invest in getting our economy back on track and people back to work.
“Tomorrow MPs will hear industry experts, business representatives and unions all make the case for reviewing the Thameslink decision. It is still not too late. We urge the government to reconsider its position and do what is best for our jobs, communities and economy.”
