Manufacturing Nation

Light manufacturing continues to play a key role in the UK economy, and is a strong source of local pride and identity in communities across the country: the cobblers of Northamptonshire and Somerset; the leathermakers of Renfrewshire; the boilermakers of Derbyshire; the garment workers of Leicestershire and much more besides. The light industries sector has also provided opportunities to many disabled workers, with supported businesses located everywhere from Glasgow to Pontypridd and Yorkshire to Devon.

In many cases, the historic nature of the businesses operating in the sector means that workplaces are ageing, and in some cases well overdue for renovation. This isn’t just an aesthetic issue: it’s a health and safety concern.

A recent survey of our members in the light industries sector found that over 40% of respondents felt that their workplace was either in need of development or upgrades, or was an unsafe environment altogether. 43% said that there was a possibility that toxic substances like asbestos were present in their place of work, whilst others identified dangerous leaks in pipes and roofs, ageing machinery and uncomfortable working temperatures and conditions.

As part of our Manufacturing Nation campaign, we are encouraging employers, employees and other stakeholders to work together to make the light industries a safer sector to work in. Just because an industry is old, doesn’t mean it should be hazardous.