Make UK's Response to the King's Speech

17.07.24

Commenting on the King's Speech, Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, said:

"This is a bold statement of intent from a Government which has clearly hit the ground running and is committed to tackling many of the issues in its in tray as a matter of urgency.

"The first priority has to be boosting the UK's anaemic growth rate which will be key to providing the resources for investing in public services and vitally needed infrastructure. Central to this will be an industrial strategy which addresses the skills crisis and takes advantage of rapidly accelerating technologies. Industry will welcome the Government's recognition of these issues as key and looks forward to seeing more detail in the upcoming fiscal statement.

"Delivering on these commitments will now be vital. Industry stands ready to work in partnership with Government across all departments to ensure these plans bear fruition and make a real and lasting difference to the UK's economic prospects at national and regional level."

Commenting on Skills Jamie Cater, Senior Policy Manager at Make UK, said:

"Far from increasing Apprenticeship numbers the Apprenticeship Levy has led to their demise. Employers will be relieved to finally hear the words 'reform the apprenticeship levy' and we can begin to reverse the disastrous trends we have seen over the past seven years.

"However, before legislating, it should review the system as a whole, not just the apprenticeship levy, to understand what works and what doesn't, and how to support employer investment in skills training at all levels.

"While manufacturers want to see the flexibility offered by the Growth and Skills Levy, the first priority should be reversing the decline in apprenticeships. This should start by addressing the funding challenges for training providers that have made it so hard for businesses to access the right apprenticeships for them."

On the Workers' Rights Bill, Verity Davidge, Policy Director at Make UK, said:

"Providing good work in well-paid, stable jobs is a critical priority for manufacturers as competition for talent remains high. In developing new legislation on workers' rights, it's vital the Government maintains its long-held commitment to working with employers to understand the impact on businesses and, different models of employment.

"While many manufacturers will support measures to curb genuinely unscrupulous employment practices But, partnership between government and industry is crucial to avoid unintended consequences which could harm labour market flexibility where it currently works in the interests of both employer and employee."

Comment on the Housing Bills, Daniel Paterson, Director of Make Modular, said:

"Today's King's Speech shows a real intent from the newly elected government and its minister to deliver mission-led policies that can deliver the high-quality housing we need. At heart, the Bills that have been put forward for this session of Parliament have the power and capacity to transform the way in which the homes sector works in this country and we welcome this bold approach.

"Fundamentally, the traditional housebuilders are unable to deliver the numbers of homes needed the begin to address the broken homes market this country faces. Only by employing every method of construction, including the modular and MMC sector, do we stand a chance of addressing this national disgrace. Modular and MMC manufacturers stand ready to play their part."