402 words, 2 minutes read time.
Solidarity welcomes the UK Government’s new Industrial Strategy as a long-overdue recognition of the need to rebuild British industry—but warns that ambition must be matched by action.
“For too long, workers have paid the price of short-termism,” said Solidarity General Secretary, Pat Harrington. “This strategy offers a chance to reverse that—but only if workers are at the heart of delivery.”
Jobs, Skills, and Respect Must Be Non-Negotiable The strategy’s focus on job creation and sectoral growth is a positive signal. Solidarity supports the aerospace sector’s pledge to create 40,000 apprenticeships and expand its workforce by 27% by 2050. But the union insists that job quantity must not come at the expense of job quality.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak echoed this sentiment, stating: “This plan can be the foundation for a stronger, fairer economy—one where more things are made in Britain by workers who are properly trained, fairly paid and respected for what they do.”
Worker Voice in Every Sector Solidarity welcomes the commitment to Workforce Strategies in sectors facing recruitment and retention challenges. However, the union calls for binding guarantees that these strategies will deliver stable contracts, fair pay, and a genuine voice for workers.
Tackling Energy Costs—A Matter of Survival The introduction of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme and reforms to the Supercharger programme are steps in the right direction. But as Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham warned: “Tackling industrial energy prices is the single most important thing the government can do as part of the industrial strategy.”
Solidarity agrees. Without urgent action to bring UK energy prices in line with European competitors, entire industries—and the communities they support—remain at risk.
Rebuilding Supply Chains with Union Oversight The creation of a Supply Chain Centre and Market Demand Guarantee could help restore domestic manufacturing capacity. Solidarity urges that these initiatives be developed with union involvement to ensure that good jobs and fair conditions are embedded throughout the supply chain.
Turning Promises into Progress Solidarity recognises this strategy as a promising beginning. But as Paul Nowak cautioned, “Trade unions are ready to work with the government to turn this vision into a reality. There is no time to waste.”
Solidarity stands ready to hold government and employers to account—because rebuilding British industry must mean rebuilding it on the foundation of dignity, fairness, and worker power.
Report by Maria Camara