Manufacturing, construction and ceramics set to carry can for Ministers’ failures
GMB has warned of tens of thousands of job losses if the Government fails to act on a predicted energy price surge.
Regulator Ofgem has warned households will again see "significant rises" in energy prices next spring. [1]
GMB has growing concerns that unless the Government takes swift and decisive action manufacturing production and jobs will be at risk, due to uneconomically high energy costs and the availability of gas across the winter months.
In times of crisis, intensive energy users across industry are forced off the network to protect household supply.
GMB is calling for immediate action to reduce network costs and replicate network tariff discounts that are offered to competitor industries across Europe.
We need a proper energy and industrial plan, that protects a market free for all, invests in realistic technology that support U.K. manufacturing to reach net zero.
Jude Brimble, GMB National Secretary, said:
“The security of energy supply is a basic requirement for the UK to keep its lights on and the production lines moving -
“Any national shortfall in energy will mean that intensive energy users will be forced off the gas network to protect households.
“The impact on industry can be fast and dramatic - and could have a major impact on supply chains.
“Ceramics in particular could face total collapse.
“Gas prices must be contained across the winter, to ensure high energy users in manufacturing can continue to operate, compete on the international stage and produce essential goods.
“The Government must take action – reducing network costs and replicate network tariff discounts offered in Europe - to protect manufacturing jobs and production now and into the winter months.
"Businesses and workers cannot bear the brunt of Ministers’ continued failure to regulate energy markets.”
