Contractors questioned on future of defence industry
7 July 2014
The Scottish Affairs Committee takes evidence on impact of separation on big industry jobs on Tuesday 8 July.
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- Inquiry: The Referendum on Separation for Scotland
- Scottish Affairs Committee
The Committee takes public evidence from union representatives at major defence, engineering and construction firms, after questions have been raised about pensions and benefits and the sustainability of the workforce in the event of Scottish separation from the United Kingdom.
Witnesses
Tuesday 8 July, Committee Room 8, Palace of Westminster
At 11.30am
- Kenny Jordan, Unite District Secretary, Babcock International Group
- Eric McLeod, GMB convenor Trade Union Secretary, Babcock International Group
- Raymond Duguid, Unite Convenor Trade Union Chairman, Babcock International Group
- Andy Johnston, Trade Union Liaison and Site Convenor, Optronics Business Segment, Thales UK
- Ronnie Taylor, Software Engineer and Unite Shop Steward, Thales UK
- Henry Wilson, Lead Detail Designer and Staff Convenor, BAE Systems
Chair's comments
Ian Davidson MP, Chair of the Committee, said:
"The launch of the new Royal Navy super-carrier this weekend was a great moment and testament to the hard work and skills of Scottish industry, but it also throws into stark relief the uncertainty hanging over its future.
“We are tomorrow taking evidence from representatives of that industry who have been trying to get a meeting with the Scottish Government since June, to finally pin down what the future holds for the workforce in Scotland in the event of a "yes" vote in September. The representatives of thousands of Scottish workers whose livelihoods hang in the balance have now been given 45 minutes in mid-August, one month before the referendum, to seek assurances about the future of their jobs and pensions. It really doesn’t appear that the Scottish Government is taking this issue at all seriously – as the Committee reported again today, they seem in no hurry to put flesh on the bones of any of the promises they are making about life in a separate Scotland.
“We are calling these witnesses to air their concerns publicly in Parliament, and we are also interested to hear what assurances - or otherwise – they have been given directly by their employers, in light of their inability so far to get the answers they seek from the Scottish Government."