The value of manufacturing is ...

Mar 3 2010 By The Journal

During manufacturing week EEF is celebrating, showcasing and demonstrating the value of manufacturing to the region and beyond. We asked EEF experts to tell is what they think is the value of manufacturing.

Manufacturers work with their workforce, for their workforce
Alison Valente, HR & Legal Leader

Manufacturing is often neglected as a career choice at a young age. We may speculate the reasons for this but I don't think we truly know why. If you look at a manufacturer from a HR perspective you can see nothing but increasing levels of best practice.

Take flexible working as an example, our survey released earlier this year showed that almost 80% of our members do not rigidly follow legislation and look at requests on a case by case basis. This means that many manufacturers will consider requests for flexible working from those who are not covered by the statutory requirements.

Manufacturers' positive approach to employee and industrial relations is something that I believe many other sectors can learn from. Unemployment across the UK would undoubtedly be higher if management, unions and the workforce had not adopted such a co-operative and creative approach to working practices during the recession. We worked with many members to help introduce short time working and change shift patterns by working with the workforce and their representation to secure a greater volume of jobs. As a result, we're now helping many members to increase their hours and make their way back to pre-recession levels.

This is the value of manufacturing to the UK. The value they place on their workforce and their efforts to maintain the regions employment figures.