Manufacturing industry steeled for unrest

The findings come from Economics of Employee Relations, a study of over 500 UK employers, including manufacturing businesses, who are clients of the law firm DLA Piper. But while 84% of firms said they believe there will be increased industrial action in the UK over the coming months, relatively few felt the unrest would be driven by their own sector, with only one third (33%) predicting an increase in disputes from within manufacturing companies. Over half those asked (54%) also claimed to be concerned that increased industrial unrest could harm the UK's economic recovery. However, only 50% supported the idea of Government intervention to stop strikes within the transport and communications sector - one of the lowest approval ratings for such action of all sectors. Commenting on the findings, head of DLA Piper's manufacturing sector group Richard May (pictured) said: "Like most industry sectors, there is a definite concern among manufacturers about the potential for increased industrial unrest in the UK as public sector spending cuts start to bite. "However, for an industry that has weathered its fair share of storms over the past two years, respondents from the sector seem relatively calm about the potential for this unrest to come from within their own industry, suggesting an underlying confidence that they have addressed the worst of their own issues. "What is particularly interesting about responses from manufacturers however, is their attitude towards government taking action to prevent strike action in the transport industry. Considering the potential logistical impact of widespread rail or freight strikes on manufacturers ability to deliver goods or receive supplies, it is surprising to see this industry among the least supportive of government action."