Is UK Manufacturing Set for an an Employment Surge? Made in Group Survey Results Revealed

Whilst companies in struggling sectors are forced to make cuts to their workforce, can the resilient manufacturing industry serve as a beacon of hope for the UK workforce?

Between the months of April and June, the UK economy was hit with its largest recorded slump in 2020. However, whilst the nation cautiously re-emerges, many industry leaders hold the belief that the manufacturing and engineering sector holds the power to lead the economy back to its feet.

Statistics show that UK manufacturing has continually evidenced this ability to drive recovery from this Coronavirus-induced downturn – with the manufacturing sector’s output rising for a fourth month in a row in September 2020. Moreover, data from the latest seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) shows that output and new orders increased on September, whilst new work intakes improved, in both domestic and overseas markets.

Half a million UK job losses have been forecasted for Autumn 2020, with redundancies being rife amongst all sectors. However, with the demand for manufacturing showing signs of staying strong during this fragile time, a career in manufacturing will surely be an extremely appealing prospect for UK workers now.

During a survey with members of Made in Group, only 7% of companies respondents answer “No” to whether they expect to be hiring new staff in the next 18 months – with 93% responding “Yes” (58%) or “Maybe” (35%). This data overwhelmingly supports the notion that the UK manufacturing industry are still open to employing new staff and taking on talent into their workforce – despite the ongoing restraints of Covid-19 and lockdown.

Ultimately then, it is vital that these companies still looking to invest in people and expand their workforce are matched up with the most motivated, talented and suitable applicants possible. In response to this need, Made in Group are in the process of creating a groundbreaking jobs board, designed specifically for UK manufacturing and engineering companies – set to be available for all members from late March 2021.

Alongside this, Made in Group are aiming to create 1,000 jobs through March 2021 virtual “Career & Skills Week” named Made Futures; hoping to provide a platform for UK manufacturers to thrive with a new talent pool of motivated British employees.