Trade union investigation shows extent of manufacturing job losses '“ although Fareham bucks the trend

ALMOST 600,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost in the UK over the past decade, according to an investigation by a trade union.

The figures by the GMB show 599,100 manufacturing jobs disappeared between 2007 and 2017, a 17 per cent fall. In 2007, the UK supported 3.5m manufacturing jobs – more than 12 per cent of all employment. By 2016, it dropped to 9.2 per cent.

Every UK region experienced a decline in manufacturing employment, with the South East losing 10.5 per cent overall.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gosport was the worst affected constituency in The News’ area with 1,200 jobs lost, a 21 per cent drop. Portsmouth South also lost jobs, falling by 900 (17 per cent).

Other constituencies bucked the trend with Fareham seeing a 42 per cent jump with 2,400 jobs created, Havant rose 15 per cent with 700 new jobs, as did Portsmouth North with 700 jobs – a 13 per cent rise.

Jude Brimble, from the GMB, called on the government to support the sector.

She said: ‘The right support would accelerate growth, address the skills gap and provide a boost to technology, production and exports.’