Policy Submissions
Description
Abstract The Institutions see the UK manufacturing sector, contrary to popular perception, as strong and vibrant. While overall employment levels in the sector have fallen markedly over the last few decades, productivity levels have been rising steadily, and overall output has remained fairly stable for the last 5-10 years. There is tremendous scope for the Government to support investment and innovation in UK industry through its own procurement policies and practices. The Government, through the Sector Skills Councils, has concentrated on raising skills and education levels across the board and particularly at the shop floor and technician levels. However, there is evidence to suggest that the quality of higher level management skills has a big impact on company productivity and profitability. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many UK manufacturing companies find it hard to recruit managers with the necessary leadership skills to maintain and develop a modern manufacturing enterprise.
Submission Details Submitted on 29 September 2006 to House of Commons Trade and Industry Select Committee
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Keywords and Search Terms Manufacturing industry, Government policies, Procurement, Skills shortages, Investment, Innovation