Government must ensure that shipbuilding work is no longer sent abroad to defend jobs and skills

 

Unite, the principal union in shipbuilding, is calling for guarantees that shipbuilding and repair contracts will remain in the UK. 

 

The union’s call comes after it gave a cautious welcome to the news that Cornwall-based maritime group Balaena has bought the parent company of Cammell Laird and A&P to create a large British-based ship repair company.

 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This merger demonstrates the absurdity of sending shipbuilding and repair work overseas when the best yards and skilled workers are here in the UK. The government must now stop needlessly risking jobs and endangering skills by failing to buy British.”

 

“Unite will be working with Balaena and other UK shipyards to help secure and grow British shipbuilding and repair contracts that provide well-paid, jobs and apprenticeships to local communities. 

 

The acquisition of APCL Group, bringing together shipyards at Birkenhead, Tyneside and Falmouth with Balaena's existing facilities in Gibraltar and Padstow. The combined group will operate 12 dry docks and employ over 2,000 people across the UK and the Mediterranean. It will also bring under one roof extensive current Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary work.

 

Unite national officer Rhys McCarthy said: This merger is positive news for our members in yards across the UK as it provides job security.

 

"The integration of Balaena’s facilities in Gibraltar and Padstow with APCL’s established infrastructure at Tyneside, Birkenhead and Falmouth will create one of the world’s most capable ship repair and shipbuilding groups with some of the best shipbuilders in the world.”

 

Unite has long campaigned for British shipbuilding work to remain in Britain.