C8 Manufacturing

Composite of motion 18, and motion 19 and amendment

Congress recognises the important contribution that government procurement strategy can play in the maintenance of the UK manufacturing sector. Congress is concerned that in the present economic climate the Government has failed to recognise the opportunities which could be used to sustain UK jobs in manufacturing through the exploitation of the existing provisions within the EU Directives on public procurement.

Congress notes the initiatives taken by the Government to encourage public purchasers to address social concerns when awarding contracts, but believes that far more needs to be done. But Congress is concerned that public procurement officers have also been warned about including provisions such as the London living wage in tender documents. Congress further believes that more needs to be done to place UK companies on a level playing field when it comes to competing for public contracts. Since, in the case of government purchasing, it is taxpayers’ money that is being used, Congress urges the Government to use its purchasing power to achieve social and, in particular, employment objectives while at the same time securing value for money for the public purse.

To this end Congress calls upon the UK Government to:

i)        adopt a more flexible approach to the inclusion of social clauses in public procurement contracts

ii)      introduce positive guidance to public procurement officers to ensure that maximum benefit is derived by UK companies from UK government contracts.

Congress notes the financial aid given to bail out the financial sector. Congress demands the Government provide the same level of support to manufacturing to save jobs, revitalise the economy, build affordable housing and assist workers struggling to pay mortgages.

In pursuing these aims, Congress believes that the time and conditions are right to create one million Government employed “green jobs” working on renewable energy, sustainable public transport and energy efficient house building projects thereby tackling unemployment and taking positive action on climate change for the benefit of all people.

Mover:  Unite
Seconder:  Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ Union

Supporter:  Communication Workers’ Union