Dr Brian Iddon MP hosts Skills Survey Launch

Yesterday, Bolton South East MP, Dr Brian Iddon hosted a reception at the House of Commons to launch the Chemical Industries Association’s Science Skills Survey.

The survey by the Chemical Industries Association confirmed reports of concern within the Industry about an erosion of the quantity and quality of the science skills at all levels

Dr Iddon said,

“As the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Chemical Industry Group and a scientist myself, I know how important good science skills are in ensuring the economic success of science based industries. The Government have put a number of useful measures in place to encourage better teaching of science which is vitally important to ensure we have a world class science skills base in the UK.”

Speaking at the reception Steve Elliott, Chemical Industries Association Chief Executive, added,

“Industry is encouraged by the fresh emphasis that science skills will have within the new government structure. Changes are being made within the Industry about how it approaches training, but to achieve a revolution in the science knowledge of everyone we want to work more closely and cleverly with politicians and educators.”

1. Dr Brian Iddon MP is the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Chemical Industry Group, the Reception took place on Wednesday 11th July.

2. The UK Chemical Industries Association (CIA) is the premier trade/employers’ organisation in the UK chemical industry. It has a membership of 150 companies, many of which are international, operating from over 200 sites in the UK.

3. The chemical industry in the UK contributes over £5 billion annually to the country’s balance of payments from a gross output of £50 billion. It accounts for 1.5% of UK GDP, 11% of manufacturing’s gross value added, and employs nearly 200,000 highly skilled people directly as well as supporting several hundred thousand related jobs throughout the economy nationwide. The industry is global both in terms of markets and ownership, with over 65% of CIA’s membership being foreign “headquartered”. Any significant imbalance in business operating environment between the UK and other locations can lead to the loss of UK output, trade and investment opportunities.