SHORT-TIME WORKING AND MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

That this House recognises the importance of a highly-skilled workforce to the future of the UK economy; further recognises that manufacturing in the UK needs to retain its skilled workers in order to exploit the opportunities on offer when economic growth returns; understands that many skilled workers in manufacturing are being asked to work short-time and that this could put severe pressure on their finances; further recognises that for many skilled workers the only option may be to leave manufacturing and seek full-time employment elsewhere; calls on the UK Government to look at all options for helping manufacturers retain skilled workers in the current climate, including possible adjustments to the tax credit system; and demands that manufacturers continue to invest in the training budget and skills of their workforce in anticipation of potential growth of the UK's manufacturing base in the future.