Manufacturing trade associations concerned by 14 day quarantine

Posted on 13 May, 2020 by [Anonymous] [Anonymous]

Today the Financial Times reports concerns raised by ADS and trade associations covering the automotive, chemicals, food and farming, and pharmaceutials sectors about UK plans for 14-day quarantine of international travellers.

ADS has written to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to raise our concerns about the Government's proposal, which will risk jobs in the aviation and aerospace industries, and across the economy.

In addition to the impact on demand for air travel, there would be additional impact on UK manufacturing, servicing and maintenance where engineers are often tasked to travel to the UK to fix critical issues on the production line or in aircraft maintenance, and for defence contractors supporting overseas operations for the UK and our international allies.

We are communicating to Government the importance of measure that facilitate a strong recovery in our sectors, that protects jobs, retains skills, and unlocks future investment.

ADS has also welcomed the continuing support for industry announced by the Government, including the extension of the Job Retention Scheme announced by the Chancellor this week. The scheme will continue in full until the end of July, and then until the end of October, with details to be published later this month on the level of employer support that will be required.