Trade association, ADS, and trade unions groups GMB and Prospects have provided a report to detail how the government can commit further to the security sector and economy.
Securing Our Future: Strategy and Industry Review
The report dubbed, Securing our Future, Together, hopes to inform the imminent Defence Industrial Strategy and Strategic Defence Review. The report warns that the defence and aerospace industries are ‘disproportionately affected’ by skills shortages creating an ‘unsustainable situation’.
Commitment to UK Defence Jobs and Equipment
Unions said that defence can be a win for the country and the economy is invested correctly so the Government should commit to UK jobs by building defence equipment in Britain.
Key Policy Recommendations for the Sector
There are six key policy recommendation areas:
• Fostering British Industry: Ensure secure supply chains, establish Centres of Excellence (CoEs), and incentivise co-investment with international partners to retain intellectual property and expertise.
• Delivering for the UK with International Partnerships: Expand skills-sharing initiatives, protect workers’ rights, and safeguard intellectual property.
• Exports and the Growth Mission: Provide tailored SME support, reduce regulatory burdens, and foster cross-government coherence.
• Procurement: Incentivise social value in MoD procurement, enhance government understanding of the sectors, and incorporate exportability early in procurement processes.
• Long-Term Investment: Commit to sustainable funding models to support critical skills and manufacturing.
• Skills for the Future: Develop localised skills mapping, reform the Apprenticeship Levy, promote STEM outreach, and lower entry barriers for apprenticeships.
Government Recognition of Industrial Contribution
Defence Minister Maria Eagle MP said: “Without the UK defence industry we can’t put warships to sea, aircraft in the air, and satellites in space.
“This report underlines the vital role they play in helping drive defence as an engine for UK economic growth – backing jobs, skills and growth in every nation and region.
“Our upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy has been developed in partnership with industry, and we are fully focused on maximising MOD procurement activity for employees, businesses and our troops on the frontline.”
