Union backs Brexit impact assessment on UK manufacturing jobs

GMB said that it is concerned that Britain’s thriving manufacturing sector could come under threat after the government announced its intention to leave the European Union Single Market and Customs Union.

It is now urging MPs to back an amendment being tabled by Labour requiring the government to publish any impact assessment that has been carried out on the impact of leaving the Single Market and Customs Union.

Jude Brimble, GMB national secretary for manufacturing, said: "It is vital that the government releases its impact assessment on the consequences of its plan to leave the Single Market and Customs Union.

“While this radical move will inevitably have a big impact for many different sectors of the economy, it will be those in manufacturing that could experience the fallout first.”

Brimble warned that many manufacturing firms rely on components, materials and goods “zig-zagging” between Britain and other countries in the EU as part of their production and supply chains.

“The Prime Minister needs to reassure manufacturing workers and take further action to safeguard their jobs and support our industries,” she added.

“We also need to know which regions and nations stand to be hardest hit from this move and ensure that our future industrial strategy take account of the geographical dimension of this risky move.

“Parliament, industry and the public deserve the facts before the government takes this leap into the dark."