​​​​​​​Midlands TUC welcomes trade union partnership in the development of the Greater Birmingham and Solihulll Strategic Economic Plan

date Monday 5th September 2016

embargo: For Immediate Release

Midlands TUC welcomes trade union partnership in the development of the Greater Birmingham and Solihulll Strategic Economic Plan

The Midlands TUC, along with affiliate unions will today meet with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Economic Partnership (GBSLEP) to discuss the challenges faced in driving forward the economy of the city-region through to 2030.

The meeting is part of the LEP consultation around the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) – A Greater Birmingham for a Greater Britain. The Midlands TUC and the GBSLEP have committed to working together in partnership in the years to come to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for those that live and work in Greater Birmingham.

Midlands TUC Regional Secretary, Lee Barron, said:

“The invitation to contribute to the strategic economic plan for the region is very much welcomed by the trade unions. For years we have been saying that to deliver the improvements to skills, productivity and investment requires the involvement of all social partners, in particular the workforce as represented by trade unions.

“We have fantastic economic strengths in the West Midlands from manufacturing, finance, cultural services as well as first class public services. However, we do know that to truly capitalise upon these strengths will require serious attention on skills and opportunities that have, for too long, held back both the potential of individual citizens and the economic potential of the city-region.

“We are committed to, and want to build a 21st century world class economy, but to do that we need world class terms, conditions and jobs with decent secure contracts.

“We have committed today to working closely with the LEP and other bodies such as the Combined Authority to ensure that the strategic economic plan delivers the win-win for the city-region, strong economic growth and working people”.

Deputy Chair for Strategy, Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, Steve Hollis, said

“Our Strategic Economic Plan 2016-30 sets out a bold vision for Greater Birmingham & Solihull to establish itself as a top global city region by 2030.Our vision is  underpinned by an ambitious set of proposals that builds on our unique strengths and assets as a globally connected and innovative city region, while recognising that there is still work to be done to reduce unemployment and raise skill levels and productivity rates.

“Whilst the draft of our SEP has been developed through a broad consensus across the public, private and further & higher education sectors, the LEP Board is clear on the need to test our thinking with all of our partners and stakeholders – so I am delighted that we are working with the trades unions as part of this consultation. I look forward to hearing the views of trades unions members, and to discussing with them how we can work together in the future to deliver a Greater Birmingham for a Greater Britain.”