Economy and Fair Work Committee 26 June 2025
To add to Paul Davies’s point, I would say that our ask of the Government at this time has been about the short-term solution. We have split the solutions into the short term and the medium to long term. We have short-term asks, which we are making in the consultation period. I should point out that the legal minimum in that respect is 45 days, so we are not set on the consultation period only being 45 days. Indeed, the trade unions have asked whether the consultation could be extended, and we are currently reviewing that.
We are taking a two-pronged approach with our short-term asks. Can we look at introducing a furlough scheme that would bridge the gap until the orders come through? Although there are potential opportunities for 2025 and 2026, we would need at least a solid signal that solutions would be possible for both years. If a solution is found that meets demand only in 2025, it will essentially push our cliff edge to the end of 2025 and not solve the 2026 issue.
As for the conversations around subsidy control data and the medium to long-term things that you have referred to, we have asked for a signal as to whether local content rules and requirements might change. The UK Government’s industrial strategy says that it will consider using public procurement
“to strengthen domestic supply chains”.
We are hoping for a bit more of a commitment with regard to what that could look like. We are absolutely managing our expectations, in that we understand that such a level of change will not happen in the 45-day window, but we are really keen to make as much progress as we can.