The Times - Letters to the Editor

Read the full article here (access through Times subscription only) or read Yvonnes letter here: Sir,
The new prime minister’s reindustrialisation agenda is welcome, but faces a race against time before critical skills are lost for good.
Over the last 10 years, the UK has lost around 157,000 manufacturing jobs, which is equivalent to six percent of the workforce. That number includes engineers who develop and maintain the valuable technologies that protect jobs and communities, driving economic prosperity.
Technology is moving at pace, not least with the rapid adoption of AI. While core skills remain, the combination of hands-on experience alongside knowledge of cutting-edge technologies may become rarer the longer reindustrialisation takes.
We need a clear strategy for reindustrialisation to be announced as soon as possible, backed up by action and support.
Yvonne Baker OBE CEng FIChemE, Chief Executive, Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)