February 2021

News 0 6 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk February 2021 Britain’s manufacturers are calling on the Government to move immediately to work with the EU to find an urgent solution to the current long border delays caused by complex paperwork, on the back of a major survey showing that 60% of companies are experiencing significant disruption since January 1st. Make UK research further revealed that some 61% of businesses are further enduring supply chain disruption either importing or exporting to and from the EU and 32% are having their supply chains impacted in both directions. Companies are also struggling to prove the UK origin of their goods in order to qualify for zero tariff access. The organisation says that customs paperwork urgently needs to be simplified on both sides of the border, so it can be completed and checked quickly before haulage journeys begin and companies can be reassured that their goods have a clear run to the end customer. In addition, it highlights the increase in paperwork and red tape at the borders has led to substantial delays for trucks, with many left stranded across the Continent because of incorrect paperwork. Make UK explains that many businesses have already taken the hard decision to put a hold on importing and exporting from the EU in a hope that things improve, but this is having a serious commercial impact on companies already struggling to survive the current COVID crisis. Stephen Phipson, CEO Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation commented: “Government needs to move quickly to get around the table with the EU to sort out ongoing delays at the border and Rules of Origin issues which are making business unworkable on both sides of the channel. “We are encouraged by recent constructive contact with Government to tackle these issues and that they looking to boost the number of customs agents. But finding a way to simplify customs declarations would mitigate against delays while an agreement on cumulation between the UK and the EU would mean that parts imported from regions outside the EU and the UK – like Japan and Turkey – can be counted towards local content. This would provide a much needed boost for industry as many more goods would qualify for zero tariff access. “The deal as it stands also fails to provide for mutual recognition of professional qualifications which will pose a very significant problem for many industries as movement of key personnel to carry out work in the EU will much more restricted. If a company wants to send a service engineer to repair a piece of equipment delivered from a UK company as part of the maintenance contract, they may not be able to carry out the service, as his/her UK qualifications won’t be recognised. There is also complex paperwork to be filled in to allow business travel.” Manufacturer helps combat early careers crisis with recruitment drive Twenty six school leavers, university students and graduates are being offered a pathway into manufacturing, automation and digitalisation by Siemens. The recruitment drive for the Siemens Digital Industries division aims to bolster its intern, apprenticeship and graduate careers programme which accounts for 10% of its 1000-strong workforce. Successful candidates will work from Siemens’ UK headquarters in Manchester or its award-winning digital factory in Congleton. Covid-19 and the resulting economic impact has contributed to a sharp decline in opportunities for school leavers, university students and graduates. A recent report by Make UK, the manufacturing industry body, found less than half of the UK’s manufacturers (44%) have plans to hire an apprentice in the next year, down from 74% this time last year. Meanwhile, research by the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) concluded that the number of graduate jobs dropped by 12% in 2020 with further declines predicted next year. Over the next three months Siemens will be recruiting nine young people for its advanced and higher apprenticeships, two for its International Technical Talent apprenticeships, one graduate scheme position, six interns, and three E3 scholarships. Meanwhile, five university students completing their E3 scholarships will secure places on Siemens DI’s graduate programme. Since establishing its early careers programme in 2010 Siemens Digital Industries division has launched and enhanced the careers of more than 100 young people. Government urged to address border delays and red tape