Unite, the UK’s leading union, has welcomed today’s announcement (8 May) that the UK and United States have agree a deal which will reduce tariffs on key goods including exports of steel and cars.

Long term solutions

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Workers will be relieved as today’s agreement provides some respite on US tariffs and lessens immediate threats to jobs.

“However, the government would be wrong to think this marks a long-term solution to the challenges facing UK industry. The tariff issue has starkly revealed the world is becoming increasingly unpredictable and measures must be in place to properly protect UK industry. Our industries need to be actively backed not left hanging in the wind.

“Government action should include a reduction in energy costs, clear rules on buying British goods and a reform of the ZEV mandate which protects car workers jobs.”
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Unite measures

Measures Unite is calling for the government to implement include:
•    An immediate reduction in industrial energy prices which make UK goods uncompetitive 
•    Designating the steel industry a critical national infrastructure area to ensure that all UK infrastructure projects use UK steel 
•    Complete reform of the ZEV mandate for UK produced cars including a clear jobs plan
•    Commitment to buy British goods wherever possible, including purchasing new UK built Typhoon jets and not American made F-35s.

ENDS
 
Notes to editors

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion Web: unitetheunion.org

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.