Why is it so challenging to keep manufacturing jobs in the United Kingdom?

Why is it so difficult to keep manufacturing jobs in the United Kingdom?

There are several reasons why it has been challenging to keep manufacturing jobs in the United Kingdom:

Globalization: The increasing globalization of trade has made it more difficult for developed countries like the UK to compete with low-cost manufacturing centres in countries like China, India, and other emerging economies. Many companies have moved their manufacturing operations to these countries to take advantage of lower labour costs and less stringent regulations.

Automation: With advances in technology, many manufacturing jobs have been replaced by automated machines, reducing the need for human labour. This has led to a decline in manufacturing employment in many developed countries, including the UK.

Cost of doing business: The cost of doing business in the UK, including taxes, wages, and regulations, is often higher than in other countries, making it more expensive to manufacture goods in the UK.

Skills gap: There is a shortage of skilled workers in the UK, particularly in technical and engineering fields. This makes it harder for manufacturers to find workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate and maintain their equipment.

Uncertainty: Brexit and ongoing political uncertainty have made it harder for manufacturers to plan for the future and make long-term investments in the UK. Many companies have moved operations to other countries to avoid the uncertainty and potential disruption caused by Brexit.

Overall, these factors have made it difficult to keep manufacturing jobs in the UK, and many companies have chosen to move their operations to other countries to take advantage of lower costs and greater stability.

What manufacturing jobs have been created in the UK recently?

There have been some recent developments in the manufacturing sector in the UK, and some new jobs have been created in various areas. Here are a few examples:

Electric vehicles: With the growing demand for electric vehicles, several companies have started manufacturing electric cars and batteries in the UK, creating new jobs in areas such as design, engineering, and production.

Biopharmaceuticals: The UK has a strong biopharmaceutical sector, with companies developing and manufacturing new drugs and treatments. This has led to job growth in areas such as research and development, clinical trials, and manufacturing.

Aerospace: The UK has a long history of aerospace manufacturing, and companies like Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems continue to develop new technologies and products. This has created jobs in areas such as design, engineering, and production.

Food and beverage: The UK has a strong food and beverage manufacturing sector, and companies like Nestle, Cadbury, and Heineken have recently invested in new facilities and expanded their operations, creating new jobs in areas such as production, quality assurance, and logistics.

Robotics and automation: With the increasing use of automation in manufacturing, there has been a growing demand for workers with skills in robotics and automation technology. This has led to the creation of new jobs in areas such as programming, maintenance, and operation of automated systems.

Overall, while the manufacturing sector in the UK faces some challenges, there have been some recent developments that have led to the creation of new jobs in various areas.

If you're a company that needs to make a manufacturing hire, then ProTech Recruitment are well placed to help you. We have 30+ years experience of placing quality individuals into manufacturing roles and if you'd like to speak to one of our experts to gauge their opinion, you can do so at 01442 299000 or give us an email at ask@pro-tech.co.uk